الأحد، 24 يونيو 2012

Lincoln Tribune

Lincoln Tribune

Link to The Lincoln Tribune

I’m Almost 65 — How Should I Prepare for Medicare?

Posted: 23 Jun 2012 03:30 PM PDT

Melinda Houser

 

Turning 65 is a lot like turning 16. When you turned 16, you didn't automatically get your driver's license; instead you had to take an exam and prove that you were a safe driver. There was a specific order and procedure for getting your driver's license and the same is true for enrolling in Medicare for the first time when you turn 65.

Much like you anticipated turning 16 and getting your driver's license, you must anticipate and plan for becoming a Medicare beneficiary.  Don't wait until you're 65 to start thinking about your Medicare choices. Start now and let the Department of Insurance's SHIIP (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program) help you.

SHIIP provides free, unbiased information about Medicare and other insurance-related issues, and there are SHIIP sites in all 100 counties in North Carolina. It is recommended that you review your Medicare options before you need to enroll so that you don't make any hurried decisions at the last minute. Your Medicare choices will depend on several factors including:

1. Are you retired, or will you or your spouse continue to work?

2. Will you have access to medical and/or prescription drug coverage through an Employer Group Health Plan?

3. How does your Employer Group Health Plan compare with Medicare supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans?

Of course there are other things to consider when determining your Medicare options. SHIIP has created a handout meant to help you navigate the Medicare system and initial enrollment process. The handout, "The Road to Medicare," outlines the decisions you'll need to make and what options are available through the Medicare system. To obtain a free copy of "The Road to Medicare," stop by Cooperative Extension in Lincolnton at the James Warren Citizens Center, 115 West Main Street. You can also meet with a certified SHIIP Volunteer Counselor in your community to discuss your Medicare options. To arrange an appointment with a SHIIP Volunteer Counselor, contact the SHIIP Coordinating Site at Cooperative Extension at 704-736-8461.

Don't wait to make your Medicare decisions – you can and should start the process before your 65th birthday. Let SHIIP help you understand your options and get you on the road to Medicare.

 

Melinda M. Houser

Extension Agent

Family and Consumer Sciences
مرسلة بواسطة في

ليست هناك تعليقات:

إرسال تعليق

الاشتراك في: تعليقات الرسالة (Atom)