Today I began the process of signing up for Medicare!
Just typing those words have a serious implication (I will let you the reader fill in your own thoughts about my age and mental acuity).
The process begins a bit more than 3 months before my 65th birthday. I am just learning the process, but what I have learned so far is: 1) I initially sign up for Medicare part A (covers hospitalization) and part B (covers doctors) using this site.
I learned, it is important to sign up early so that I receive my card before my 65th birthday, providing sufficient time to sign up for other parts. The process was straight forward since I already had an ID.gov log in. It took about 15minutes so far.
Get Medicare Card before 65th birthday!
2) Once I receive my card, I can sign up for other parts. There is an option to stay with traditional Medicare, or sign up with an advantage plan (Part C), and Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D). There are also options for Supplemental plans (part F and G). I have an advisor helping me to make those decisions.
Cost implications
The other thing that is helpful to know is that the cost of medicare is on a graduated scale called IRMAA, calculated going back two years, but recalculated every year. It’s based upon a Modified-Adjusted-Gross-Income (MAGI), which is my Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from my tax returns plus adding back exempt interest and some other non-taxabale items. That calculates the monthly payment for the service. People who have a substantial life change (e.g. retirement, disability) can appeal the amount – which I plan to do when the time comes.
An interesting non-physical adventure! When I get to the next part of the process, I will update you.
- Larry
Update 1/23/25
1/23/2025
Today I received my Medicare card – I’ve been told this was delivered in record time. Thank you to my new friends at the Social Security admin! The card covers both parts A (Hospital Stays) and B (Doctors visits and tests). The next part of the adventure is to choose between part C: a Medicare Advantage plan or stick with Original Medicare and supplement with a Medigap plan. I am inclined to stick with original Medicare and add the United Health Medigap plan (Part G, available through AARP). This is likely to be more expensive than a Medicare Advantage Plan, but I can use any provider with no pre-approval and I will be covered by insurance in every state. It also supports a feature called “Renew Active” which is accepted by many of the health clubs in the area. Lastly, we will add in a Dental and Eyecare plan and I will be set.
2/24/2025
Okay – I am now officially signed up. I chose to go with the AARP United Health Care Supplemental plan (Part G). This plan features a relatively low cost, with no out of pocket expenses. It also supports foreign travel and has a fitness program called Renew Active which is accepted as membership in many gyms (Lifetime Fitness offers 50% off membership). I also signed up for a drug plan (Part D). I am keeping our family dental plan for now and one thing left to do is to sign up for a vision plan.
I had great help from Jonathan Lowenberg who was recommended by friends Karen & Scott. He made it all very easy and is highly recommended.
4/1/2025
Today was my first official day on Medicare! Happy April fools! Last week I signed up for the final needed plan – and registered for AARP’s VSP vision coverage. I also filed my appeal to the medicare IRMAA level (you can request a review if your income drops, as mine did when I retired.) I chose to hand carry the appeal to my local social security branch. I also registered for Renew Active from United Healthcare and went to get a discount at my fitness center.