If you are turning 65 in 2023, there are some important decisions you need to start thinking about if you are considering signing up for Medicare. It is important to remember that Medicare’s Core Parts A and B are not free. Typically, there is no direct cost to you for Part A coverage, however, the Part B coverage has a monthly premium in 2023 of $164.90, which is deducted directly from your Social Security payment.
Consider these three important tips for getting Medicare right:
1. Enroll at the right time. Medicare has a bewildering mix of enrollment periods. You need to use the right one. Three months before you decide to retire and give up your employer’s health plan, you will want to sign up for Medicare. Please, do it early. Remember, Medicare is a big government agency, and they rarely do things quickly.
2. Choose the right mix of Medicare coverage. There are only two main paths here. One is Original Medicare (Parts A and B), perhaps with a Medigap supplemental policy, plus a Part D prescription drug plan. The other is a Medicare Advantage plan.
3. Understand what the various parts of Medicare cover and how to use them.
Original Medicare includes Part A, which covers your hospital expenses, and Part B, which covers your doctor or provider costs. Medicare Part D covers the costs for prescription drugs. Medicare Part C is known as Medicare Advantage, which is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
If you are turning 65 in 2023 and you want to get ahead of the Medicare learning curve, call or text Elbert Johnson at 404.335.8798 or email EJadviser@SiSHealth4Life.com to receive the “Turning 65 and Medicare” guide.