When you turn 65, you become eligible for the Medicare program — which means you will need to set aside time around that milestone birthday to sift through many options so you can sign up for the coverage that meets your health needs and budget.
It’s up to you to get ready. No letter will arrive in the mail announcing it’s time to start making these decisions. What’s more, the timetable is specific and extremely important. You can start signing up three months before you turn 65, and you’ll have until three months after your birthday month to enroll. If you miss that deadline, you may end up paying higher premiums. If you are still working and have employer-sponsored health coverage, you may choose to wait to sign up.
You’ll need to do some homework before you start assessing Texas Medicare options and picking plans. Make a list of your doctors and decide how important it is to you that you can continue seeing them once you are on Medicare. Also, make a list of any medications you take so you can make sure any prescription drug plan you select will meet your needs.
Think about your lifestyle. Are you a homebody and never travel outside the U.S.? Or are you an adventurer who travels abroad often? Do you split your time between residences and need medical care in different states? All these factors will figure into the decisions you make.
Your financial situation is also important. Medicare helps pay for medical care for most older Americans and people with disabilities. But it’s not free. You’ll want to choose an option you can afford and build the array of out-of-pocket costs into your annual budget. And take time to review the ways the federal government can help you pay Medicare’s costs if you can’t afford them.
These organizations, resources, and downloads are a good place to start if you have more questions or a specific situation you need help with.
For help in finding local, state, and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers in your area, call Eldercare at 1-800-677-1116, TTY 711, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, or visit ElderCare.gov.
For information about hospice care programs in your area, call your state’s hospice care organization. Call the Medicare Helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to get the number in your state. Or visit HospiceFoundation.org.
The official handbook for Medicare programs is updated each year. You can download a copy at Medicare.gov or call the Medicare Helpline to request a copy. Medicare’s online tools can also help you compare drug plans, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, and Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plans. You can visit Medicare.gov for details.
For questions about Medicare and detailed information about plans in your area, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or visit Medicare.gov.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization dedicated to helping seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. Go to NCOA.org to learn more.
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. NIA is the primary Federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer’s disease research.
www.nia.nih.gov
For help with questions about eligibility, enrollment, and arranging for help with the cost of Medicare, and for answers about Social Security retirement and disability benefits, go to SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.
Policy Lab: Clinical Trial Research for Seniors and the Elderly
Here you will find helpful Medicare and related references and worksheets. Feel free to download one or all of them.
Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans
Learning the Basics of Medicare
Understanding Medicare Part C & Part D Enrollment Periods
Understanding the Extra Help With Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and Medicare
Medicare Plan Finder Worksheet
Medicare Plan Review Worksheet
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Checklist
Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information
Medicare Initial Enrollment: Preparation Checklist
CMS L564 Request For Employment Information
CMS 40B Application For Enrollment In Medicare Part B
Ashford Insurance Group, LLC specializes in helping Medicare Insurance Agents and agencies reach the 10,000 people turning 65 each day.
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