Navigating 65: Unlocking Benefits for Your Future
- Every day, around 10,000 baby boomers tur n 65, joining the Medicare community. Whether your bir thday is right around the cor ner or just down the road, this guide will help you make the most of your Medicare jour ney. You probably have some questions—when to sign up, what Medicare covers, and how it all works.
Download T65 check list for mailer
- Part A covers hospital stays and some skilled nursing care.
- Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and preventive care.
- You’ll have standard hospital and medical coverage, but without prescription coverage.
- You may want to add a Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) to cover your medications.
- These are “all-in-one” plans offered by private companies. They include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D, plus extras like dental, vision, and hearing.
- If You’re Still Working: If you have health coverage through work or your spouse, you may not need to enroll in Medicare Part B right away. But make sure you understand your options—some people delay Part B to avoid unnecessary premiums.
- Medicare Advantage plans may have specific networks of doctors, so double-check if your providers are included.
- Medigap, or Medicare Supplement insurance, helps pay some out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, like deductibles and copays.
- Note: Medigap plans work only with Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage.
Download Navigating 65: Unlocking Benefits for Your Future
Use This List Before Your 65th Birthday
- Contact the Social Security Administration
- Review Your Current Health Care Insurance Coverage
- Check with your current doctors
- Review your current health insurance policy
- Become familiar with Medicare and its vari
Paul Barrett
Medicare specialist