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Hello Toni:

You were referred to me as a resource that can answer questions I have about enrolling in Medicare. I am turning 65 this January and have not discovered what I should do. Do I begin my Medicare since I am still working or wait?  Thinking of retiring next summer, do I stay on COBRA or enroll in a Medicare plan? What happens if I get another job? Friends and co-workers tell me one thing about Medicare. Information and the massive amount of telemarketing calls I am receiving are telling me something else.

I am confused at where I should begin. I am sure there are others in Medicare land, who also need answers to these worrisome, yet semi-simple Medicare questions. Thanks, Terry, Orlando, Fl

 

Terry:

 

1. Is the Medicare enrollment process automatic?
2. Answer: Medicare enrollment is automatic only if you have already claimed Social Security benefits by the time you turn 65. When not receiving your Social Security check, you will not receive your Medicare card and will need to apply online if you are not working full-time with employer benefits.

Failing to sign up at the right time is costly especially after 65 and leaving employer benefits. Read question 3 of this article when leaving employer health benefits past 65 and need to enroll in Medicare Part A and B properly. You will want to file CMS-L564 with Social Security.

2. Should I enroll in Medicare even if offered COBRA health insurance when I leave my job?
3. Answer: Yes. Enroll in Medicare. Although you might need COBRA to cover a spouse or dependent child, Medicare should be your primary insurance coverage once you are 65 or older and not “working full-time” with company benefits. You will want to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Explore which options is best for your Medicare situation either a Medicare Supplement that works with “Original Medicare” and a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. In today’s health insurance world, many COBRA health plans will allow the COBRA retiree who has Medicare Parts A and B to opt out of the COBRA plan, while the family remains on COBRA.
4. What if I become unemployed or retire, enroll in Medicare, and then go back into a full-time job?
5. Answer: If your new employer provides health insurance, you can disenroll from Medicare Part B by contacting your local Social Security office and request the form to delay your Medicare Part B because you now have medical benefits provided by your or your spouse’s current employer. You can re-enroll when you finally retire without paying late enrollment penalties by having your employer sign and file CMS-L564 “Request for Employment Information” form with Social Security.

 

For a Medicare Checkup call the Toni Says® Medicare call center at 832/519-8664 regarding your Medicare plans and options or email info@tonisays.com.