Medicare Overview
William Slyter
50plus Magazine
Getting Started
Approaching 65 you realize it’s not just another birthday. It’s a milestone that opens the door to new opportunities, from retirement and travel to pursuing new hobbies and learning experiences. Another big change this year is your eligibility for Medicare. If you’ve already begun receiving
Social Security benefits, Medicare Parts A and B will have been automatically activated.
If you’re not yet drawing SSI, you’ll need to enroll during your seven-month initial enrollment period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. The good news is that missing this window doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You can still sign up during the general enrollment period, though it may come with a penalty.
Don’t Forget to Review Your Coverage
One critical piece of advice for every Medicare beneficiary is to review your coverage annually. Healthcare needs can change, and so can your Medicare plan. It’s essential to verify that your provider(s) will remain in-network and that your medications will continue to be covered. This annual review is also an excellent time to shop around. There might be a plan that offers better benefits, lower costs, or additional perks that you hadn’t considered before.
Free Help Is Available
While some people thrive on the challenge of deciphering Medicare’s intricacies, others find the prospect overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Compassionate, knowledgeable agents, some in these pages, are available to assist you at no cost, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions. These agents are specialists in Medicare and can be found locally.
Choosing an Agent
As with any professional you seek assistance from, be it attorney, physician, or service person, it’s important to feel comfortable with them — that they listen to and talk with you, not at you. Patience is an important trait, as you may need time to process the details of potential plans.
Looking into Medicare can be overwhelming, and it’s important to feel your counselor or agent is working with you and in your best interests, as opposed to just “handling another case.” Do you feel at ease with this person? A sense of trust and confidence? If so, you’ve found your fit.
Professional weirdo William Slyter has worked as a writer, presenter, swordfighter, musician, artist, and entrepreneur.