In a little over 2 months I’ll be turning 65. Setting aside any existential issues, there are some decisions and paperwork involved.
You need to enroll in Medicare, even if you aren’t going to start using it when you turn 65. The enrollment period is three months on either side of your birth month. I was born in May, so the seven month span is February-March-April, then May, followed by June-July-August.
This enrollment happens through the government Medicare site.
I received a letter from my employer about making a health insurance choice. I can keep my employment sponsored health insurance (for as long as I am employed), but I have to make that designation. What I’m really doing is saying that my work insurance will be the primary coverage, and Medicare will be the secondary coverage.
Medicare comes in multiple pieces. Part A, Part B, and Part D. Not to mention supplemental Medicare insurance. Part A is hospital, skilled nursing, and hospice. Part B is outpatient care and doctor visits. Part D is prescription drug coverage. While A is likely premium fee, Parts B and D will have a monthly premium.
Since my employer has more than 20 employees, I can delay signing up for Parts B and D, until my primary coverage goes away. I must enroll in Part A, which is usually premium free for most people.
This life event has triggered a flood of Medicare related postal mail. And, so far, two cold calls visits to our house. My turning 65 represents potential fees and income for insurance providers, so they come, unasked, to the house and want to talk to me.
I’ll enroll in Part A. And I’ll notify my employer that I am keeping my BC/BS insurance as primary. I plan on using the two years before I pull the retirement ripcord to research and understand how all the Medicare parts work, and where supplemental insurance might be necessary. And I’ll pick someone to work with to set everything up. Probably not someone who shows up at the front door unasked for.
And I may make a sign for the door that says unasked for Medicare advise in the guise of well meaning insurance salespeople will be met with a polite, but firm, “No thank you” followed by my closing the door.