Where to begin

[ishkrbibbl]

I am 54 my wife is 64 and approaching Medicare.
Currently she is on my insurance thru my employer (BCBS) but waitinbg to hear if she can stay on once she qualifies.

Is Medicare only for those without other options?
Do you have to getMedicare?
Is it as good as what she has?
Are there "benefits" from her signing up when it's time?

Is there a place we can trust to help guide us thought this?

Thnx in advance - DnA

 

[MBSC]

Assuming the employer lets her stay on the plan, you can use the following document to determine when she should enroll in Medicare.

https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Find-Your-Provider-Type/Employers-and-Unions/FS3-Enroll-in-Part-A-and-B.pdf

Your local Council on Aging office has SHIP counselors to help guide seniors through the Medicare process. You can find your local SHIP counselor here:

Home

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs provides free insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, friends, and caregivers.

www.shiptacenter.org

It helps to have a basic understanding of Medicare before contacting the SHIP counselor. You can check out a copy of the "Medicare for Dummies" book from your local library.

Medicare has also made the following publications available to assist in the process.

Enrolling in Medicare Parts A & B: https://www.medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/11036-Enrolling-Medicare-Part-A-Part-B.pdf

Medicare & You booklet: https://www.medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/10050-Medicare-and-You.pdf

Choosing a Medigap policy: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/02110-Medicare-Medigap-guide.pdf?

Guide to Part D (drug) Coverage: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11109-Your-Guide-to-Medicare-Prescrip-Drug-Cov.pdf