When do I need to sign up for Medicare?

65?  62?  The answer isn’t as simple as you think it is.  As more and more folks are taking early Social Security at age 62, some may be surprised to find out that Medicare isn’t available until age 65.  The kicker is that you are also in the highest rate tables for health insurance at the ages between 60 – 64, unless you qualify for the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.  The official age for Medicare is 65.  The open enrollment is 3 months before your birthday, your birthday month, and the 3 months after your birthday month.  The earliest effective date is the first day of your birthday month, unless your birthday falls on the first, then the Medicare effective date is the first day of the previous month.  If you qualify for disability, your Medicare effective date will be dependent on your approval for disability.  If you are currently working and have access to health insurance benefits, you may want to consider delaying Medicare until you fully retire.  (you may be eligible to delay Part B)

How do I sign up for Medicare?  Again, not always so simple.  If you are already taking your Social Security early, or if you have taken the steps to get Social Security started at age 65, then your Medicare enrollment will happen automatically.  Your new Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months prior to the effective date.  Not yet taking Social Security and don’t plan to?  Then you will want to apply by one of these ways:  call Social Security at 800-772-1213; call Social Security and schedule an appointment at your local office at 800-772-1213; visit either Medicare.gov or SSA.gov and apply online.  Don’t miss your enrollment or you may face penalties.  Need more help?  Check out the Medicare & You Handbook available for download at the Medicare website.  

Need help with Medicare insurance plans?  Kindly call, click or come in today.  Insurance Options Inc., 1401 Viscaya Pkwy #2, Cape Coral, FL  33990; (239) 201-4560 to speak with a licensed insurance agent; or email [email protected] (Medicare disclaimer:  We do not offer every plan available in your area.  Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area.  Please contact Medicare.gov or 800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.)