I’m Turning 65 What do I need to do for Medicare?

Congratulations! Hitting this major milestone is an accomplishment but can also be overwhelming. Turning 65 means you likely qualify for Medicare depending on certain factors such as your work history. You will likely receive hundreds of letters and post cards as well as phone calls regarding your options. Although it may seem confusing, speaking to a licensed professional is often advantageous even if you have some experience with Medicare. Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B, which most people may be familiar with. However, you may need to make some arrangements prior to turning 65 to ensure you are properly enrolled. Contacting your local Social Security Administration Office is highly recommended as their staff can answer questions regarding the enrollment process. In addition to the Social Security Administration helping you through enrollment, you may also have questions about what Medicare covers and most importantly what it does not cover. Although Medicare can provide adequate coverage for certain medical issues, you should educate yourself on what Medicare does not cover as your individual needs may vary. Issues such as chronic illness, certain health conditions, and disabilities may impact your decision when it comes to Medicare and your options. There is one thing for certain, turning 65 opens many options for all people qualified under Medicare and therefore you should take full advantage of these opportunities while you still can. By way of example, turning 65 and entering into medicare allows you to obtain almost any medical insurance product regardless of your current health or preexisting conditions. Even if you are currently on disability there may be additional benefits available to you that were not available to you before turning 65. This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to get into certain programs regardless of your health history. To fully understand all of your options, you should consult with a licensed professional with experience in this area. Although Medicare is meant to help all seniors, there are certain issues you need to be educated on to avoid penalties. Proper planning well in advance of your Medicare effective date is the best way to avoid these potential problems.