Medicare Information

[JEdmund]

I hope I'm in the correct area to post this.  I will be 64 in a few weeks and I am starting to freak out over Medicare.  I have no idea how to find out what my premiums will be.  I'm a big time planner and want to get info before I need it.  Also, since my husband is still working, will I have to take Medicare or can I stay on his plan?

Thanks in advance!

Jen

[everythingisfixable]

Hi Jen!    I'm going to try to ease at least one of your fears, as well as hopefully answer your question regarding your husband's health insurance.  First, if you are on your husband's policy, that insurance company will be billed first.  Then Medicare.  I highly recommend getting a Medicare advantage plan when you do sign up because otherwise, when you only have Medicare to depend on, there's a steep monthly premium.  In my case, I'm on disability so getting SSD earlier than getting a retirement amount.  Monthly Medicare premium in my state is $195 I believe.  A Medicare advantage plan can save you that amount if available where you live.  Co pays are cheaper, primary doctor is zero, while specialists, emergency room, urgent care, are cheaper in their deductible and co pay.    To find out how much your premium will be is easier than you expect I promise.  (I'm a Capricorn and a big time planner 😉).   you should be getting something from Medicare now that you are approaching retirement.  Just go to Medicare.gov   there's also a helpline  medicarehelpline.com.  They have plans listed on their website that you can compare.  they list premium amounts, what your out of pocket total will be, what each plan offers.  It's much easier than what you are probably imagining.  The Medicare helpline is just that.. helpful.  When you turn 65 and you get Social security, you automatically get Part A free.  You will need Medicare part B but I suppose you don't have to get it.  Part B is where the monthly premium comes into existence.  I just double checked and it's $185 and it's taken out of your SS payments.  Then you will also need to find prescription coverage.  That's part C and why a Medicare advantage plan is the best way to go.  If you don't already have one, sign up for your social security account through SSA.  This is especially helpful and since they don't send out letters regarding your retirement amounts and showing your work experience, anyone who works should actually get their SS account up and running to make sure they have correct information regarding your wages and earnings.  If there's a mistake, you can get it rectified immediately through your account.  I hope this helps you in some way if nothing but to give you where you can find all the information you need.  

[TRL1111]

^^^ Don't listen to this.  AARP has an explanation of what to do if you're turning 65 and you have insurance via your spouse's employer:

aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/signing-up-when-spouse-has-insurance.html