Turning 65 Checklist
Here are step by step instructions to make it easier for you to receive your full Medicare benefits. The following are steps you should take leading up to turning age 65. Some steps are required while others are suggested to make the transition easier.
Four Months Before You Turn 65
- Confirm that you are eligible to receive Medicare benefits by calling the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. Some individuals may or may not qualify for certain benefits depending on the number of years you or a spouse paid Medicare and Social Security payroll taxes, however, if you’re disabled or meet other requirements you may also qualify. This is an important first step.
- If you are currently receiving early retirement social security benefits which qualify you for Medicare, then you will automatically be enrolled for Medicare Part A and Part B. If this is the case, you will receive your Medicare card three months prior to your 65th birthday, and no further action is required to obtain your Medicare card. If this is your situation skip the next step.
- If you are NOT currently receiving Social Security benefits, then go to www.Medicare.gov to apply for Medicare benefits or visit your local Social Security office to apply in person. You can find your local social security office by searching on Google or looking in your phone book.
- Review your current health insurance policy to find out what happens with that coverage when you turn 65. If you’re currently covered under an employer group plan check with the HR department to see how your benefits will change. If you are covered under an individual policy, then review your current insurance coverage to see how your benefits will change when you turn 65.
- View Medicare.gov to become familiar with Medicare and its various parts: A, B, C, and D.
- Call your Medicare advisor (Suzanne McClain) to review Medicare supplements, Advantage Health Plans, and prescription drug plans to see what makes sense for you and your situation. It is important to enroll in a supplemental health plan at this point to ensure that coverage starts at age 65.
- Confirm that you receive your supplemental health plan card three weeks after enrolling in a Medicare Health Plan. If you have not received your card after three weeks contact your Medicare advisor.
- Confirm that you receive your Medicare card two months prior your 65th If you have not received your Medicare card at this point call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213
- Claim your Social Security benefits.
You can claim your Social Security retirement at various times, but you can claim your full Social Security benefits when you turn 66. And at the same time, you can earn an income and not be penalized. However, you can claim reduced benefits as early as age 62. Or, you can wait until age 70 and claim greater benefits. Please note that while you are able to file for Social Security benefits at age 62, this does not qualify you to receive Medicare benefits at age 62. When you are ready to start this process call Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 - If you have low income, get medical and financial assistance.
When you turn 65, if you have only a few assets and/or they are of minimal value, (not including your home), and your income meets federal or state minimum requirements, you may qualify for medical and financial assistance. Through Medicaid, you can be fully covered for the costs of health care, long-term home care and, if you qualify, nursing home residence care. In addition, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income, which is a small monthly cash assistance. To find out if you qualify for extra assistance, call your Columbus Oh Medicare advisor and they direct you, to the help you need. - Prepare legal documents.
If you haven’t already, this is a good time to get your legal documents in order (such as a will, power of attorney for finances, or living will). Even though you have many years to live, decision-making could become difficult due to a sudden change of events. That’s why it’s important to make your health care, end-of-life care, finance and estate decisions now.
If you have questions or get stuck at any point, in this sometimes overwhelming process, be sure to give Suzanne a call so she can help you through it.