Ask Aunt B

Dear Aunt B, I am about to turn 65. Are there things I need to know to file for Medicare and Social Security? I want to get all that is coming to me.

Old but not forgotten Dear Old but not forgotten, The number one thing I want you to hear from me when answering this question is DO NOT TAKE MY ADVICE ON THIS ISSUE. THIS ANSWER IS TO ONLY BRING UP POSSIBLE TOPICS TO SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST ABOUT. I AM NOT A SPECIALIST. THIS IS IMPORTANT AND CAN HAVE MANY RAMIFICATIONS SO PLEASE SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST. I know that many people are screaming at me for ALL CAPS, however this is really big, and I want you to understand the severity.

Possible Issues:

Signing up for Medicare is so confusing. There are many different types of Medicare. I fancy myself as a smart person, and they confuse the youknow- what out of me. Talk to someone smarter than Aunt B.

The amount of money that you will receive is determined by many different factors: how much you have paid into social security and when you start taking your benefits, among other things.

If you can continue to make money without being penalized is important to know. It all depends on when you decide to take your benefits and the year you were born.

There are penalties that are severe if you don’t file for your Medicare on time. Medicare has multiple components. Medicare A covers hospitalization. Part B covers outpatient. Part C is for Medicare, a private health plan. Part D is for your medications. It is really confusing. I don’t take any prescription medicines, so I didn’t figure I would need this. However, this is one of those issues that if you don’t get it, there can be a problems and penalties in the future.

Medicare and Medicaid are not the same thing. Medicare is a federal program that covers health care. Medicaid is a federal or state program that covers health care for lowincome individuals. Some people do qualify for both and can receive benefits from both. This can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses but has income limitations.

There are resources that can help you navigate this complicated benefit. Call 1-800-MEDICARE. You can call your local Social Security office. There are some State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP). There are some Medicare Rights Centers.

Love, Aunt B

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