Are you turning 65 this year? Are you getting ready to retire? Are you under 65 and have been on disability insurance for 24 months? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you came to the right place. Here is a simple breakdown of how to apply for Medicare insurance.
Medicare is a healthcare program that, if you are employed and paying taxes, helps support your medical needs when you are ready to retire. Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part
B with an option of Part D.
Part A is insurance for the hospital and comes at no cost to you for most individuals for those individuals who paid taxes. Part A generally covers the following.
– inpatient care in a hospital
– skilled nursing facility care
– hospice care
– home health care
Part B of Medicare has an annual premium and it is used to cover medically necessary services to diagnose and treat medical conditions as well as preventive services. If you are late signing up for Part B when you first become eligible, there will be a penalty fee added to your premium for as long as you have Part B coverage.
Part D is an additional coverage option that helps with prescription drug costs.
There are three simple options to sign up for medicare.
– Visit your local Social Security office,
– Over the phone 1 (800) 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
– Apply online at SSA.gov
Once you have applied and signed up for Parts A and B, find a local medicare agent like me who can walk you through the process and help find the right supplemental plans for you.