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Turning 65 - Quick Guide to Medicare |
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It can be difficult to navigate through the Medicare Enrollment Process. You may be wondering what forms you should fill out and who to call to make sure you are signed up for Medicare. This guide has been designed as a brief overview of what to do to enroll in Medicare. For more information, please download the Medicare & You 2010 guide which will explain the different parts of Medicare in easy to understand language.
Apply for Social Security and Medicare
Step 1: Sign up for Social Security
Three months before your 65th birthday, you should contact the local Social Security office or go online to http://www.ssa.gov to apply for Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits or RRB benefits, then you don’t need to apply again when you turn 65. NOTE: if you have opted not to begin receiving your Social Security or RRB benefits when you turn 65, you still can receive Medicare benefits by contacting Medicare directly and applying for benefits.
Step 2: Enroll in Medicare
Once you turn 65 and are receiving Social Security or RRB benefits, Medicare will send you an information kit in the mail about enrolling in Medicare. You will automatically be enrolled in a Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and a Medicare Part B (medical insurance) plan in the beginning.
NOTE: if you or your spouse is still working and are receiving health insurance from the employer, you do not need to enroll in Medicare until after your health insurance with the employer ends.
Click Here to Download the Turning 65 Guide for Medicare 2010
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