Most people are eligible for Medicare when they turn age 65. Being eligible for Medicare means you will be able to get Medicare Part A and B. If you are already receiving your social security payments, you will be signed up for Medicare A and B automatically. If you are not electing your Social Security benefit, you will need to take a few steps to get signed up.
First off, you need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes to be eligible for Medicare part A. You may also qualify through a spouse that worked 40 quarters. There is no monthly premium for Part A. Part B can then be elected for a cost of $104 a month per person. (can be more based on income)
As stated, if you already get Social Security payments, you will automatically be signed up. The effective date of your Part A and B is the first of the month you turn 65. If you have not elected Social Security, you will need to call your social security office and tell them you want to sign up. You may also go online to get this accomplished for those that rather use the web. The site to go online is here CLICK FOR MEDICARE.GOV SITE
Once you are signed up, you need to then determine how you want to cover the gaps in Medicare A and B and determine if you want drug coverage. There are 3 basic categories of choices:
- Buy a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) and a stand alone drug plan
- Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan (Managed Care Plan)
- Sing up for a part D plan only
