Applying for Medicare - a Specific Case

Apply in person, online, or on the phone

The rules for Medicare application seem fairly simple, yet there are ways you could fall through the cracks and end up paying huge penalties. More on that later.

Before I explain how that can happen, let me describe my specific case related to Medicare application:

• Age 64, birthday early April
• Use high deductible spousal medical insurance with a Health Savings account

I applied the rules I found in Medicare for Dummies and came up with a personal scenario based on my specific circumstances:

• The rules say that I am eligible to apply for Medicare during the seven month period from January thru July.
• I can apply online, in person at a social security office, or on the phone. Fortunately, I live near a social security office so I'll apply in person and will bring in my documents (birth and marriage certificate, social security card). This way I won't need to send the original documents in the mail.
• I will apply well before my birthday with the effective date of April 1.

When I go to the in person application, I will have written all the questions I need to get answered.

Beware of Penalties
Note that these are my circumstances, although yours may be similar.

On the other hand, if you are working and have medical insurance through an employer, or use your spouse's medical insurance, you may STILL NEED TO APPLY. Depends on the rules. If you think you don't have to apply, don't. But know that there are penalties for not applying on time.

Check it Out
Make it easy on yourself. Check medicare.gov or buy the cheap dummy book below. Spend $12 now or suffer stiff penalties later.

Buy the paperback version by clicking the picture below:

OR

Buy the Kindle version by clicking the picture below:

Medicare for Dummies - a MUST-READ Book for Those Turning 65 in 2014

I'm sure there are hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of Americans turning 65 this coming year. These baby boomers, including myself, are entitled to Medicare coverage.

I have tons of questions that the government site doesn't answer or answers in government-speak. So I found this book - Medicare For Dummies - published in October 2013 and endorsed by AARP.

I've already got a plan for when to apply and the best way to apply (at least for me) based on the information in this book. Note that I bought the paperback version because I wanted to mark it up. I can tell you right now you have to be careful to apply on time else you end up paying penalties.

No, you do NOT have to get this book - but so far, it's been a big help. More on this info as I keep perusing the book.

You can rely on the experience of applicant friends you know or educate yourself for your unique circumstances. I'm obviously recommending the book and will continue to comment on it in this blog. There's more about my use of the book here.

Buy the paperback version by clicking the picture below:

OR

Buy the Kindle version by clicking the picture below: