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Enrolling in Medicare
A federal health insurance program, Medicare is a common option to either people 65 or older and those under 65 with certain disabilities. How to Enroll in Medicare Typically, Medicare Parts A and B begin the 1st day of the month in which you turn age 65. If you already receive social security benefits, you do not need to enroll in Medicare. You will automatically receive your Medicare card about three and a half months before the effective date. If you do not receive social security benefits, call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 within three months prior to the effective date (the 1st day of the month in which you turn age 65). You can either enroll over the phone, schedule an appointment at the SSA office or enroll online at www.medicare.gov. You do not need to start your social security benefits at age 65 to enroll in Medicare. The SSA will bill quarterly for Part B of Medicare until your Social Security benefits start. Then the SSA will deduct the premium for Part B from your Social Security benefit each month. You can delay Part B of Medicare if you have group coverage from your own or your spouse’s current employer. You will need to enroll in Part B two or three months prior to your retirement or loss of this group insurance, whichever takes place first, in order for Part B to be in effect by your retirement date or loss of group coverage. Local Resources in Western North Carolina (Hours 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. TIP from Jan: If you get there at 3:30 pm, you will be given a number. Since you are "in line" they must see you that day)
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