Were you a high school senior in 1972, singing Alice Cooper’s classic hit, “School’s Out” (for Summer)? Then you may be turning 65 soon and wondering if you need Medicare insurance. Figuring it out on your own may leave you clicking through a lot of scam websites and staring at a mountain of brochures and flyers that arrived in the mail. Medicare was created in 1965 to provide security and peace of mind, not cause you to lose your mind, patience or your money.
These tips will help you keep your cool:
◆ Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website at www.ssa.gov, at least three months before your 65th birthday to ask them to determine your Medicare eligibility and enrollment dates.
◆ Contact the employee benefits specialist for your own or a spouse’s current or former employer to see if you qualify for retiree medical insurance benefits.
◆ Check with Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or www.medicare.gov to learn about Medicare premiums, late enrollment penalties and Medicare insurance options available in your county.
The peace of mind that comes with understanding how Medicare works will have you humming a different tune: “Summertime” (and the Living is Easy)!
MEDICARE MOMENT WITH MARTHA
A radio program with Martha Khlopin
KHNR-690AM:
Sat., 2 pm–2:30 pm, Sun., 9:30 am–10 am
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