Getting Medicare
We are here to celebrate your 65th birthday, it is a major milestone. How great it is as for most adults, turning 65 means you are now eligible for Medicare!
Whether you are still working or not, you need to look at your healthcare options. You need to look at whether you should sign up for Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical insurance). The pair are often called Original Medicare. Medicare Parts A & B only pay part of your medical costs. Your costs for deductibles, copays, prescription drugs and other out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly. There is no maximum out-of-pocket on Medicare claims, so you need to protect yourself from the inevitable health care costs you face as you getting older.
There are a lot of questions you probably have:
- Should I stay on my employer’s plan?
- What about prescription drug coverage?
- Do I need a Medicare Supplement (aka Medigap) plan?
- What about a Medicare Advantage Plan? Is that a good option for me?
Your Medicare ID Card
When you enroll in Medicare will receive a red, white, and blue Medicare ID card. It will show your name, eligibility dates for Part A and Part B. It will also feature your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (ID number) or MBI. The MBI has letters and numbers and has replaced Social Security Numbers on Medicare cards. Doctors and hospitals use your unique MBI to submit Medicare claims when you access care.
- If you have additional coverage from an insurance company, such as a Plan F or G, you would also give them that ID card too so you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.
- If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO plan), you usually only need to present your Medicare Advantage Plan card.
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We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent nine organizations which offer 21 prescription drug plans and countless other products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1–800–MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options. The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance.