Medicare
Are you nearing Medicare eligibility? Wondering what to do six months before turning 65? Nearing retirement and Medicare eligible? You will find helpful information to guide you towards your next steps are as you near this milestone.
Turning 65
If you are not enrolled in a Health Savings Account (HSA):
- Enroll in Medicare Part A at your first opportunity, when you turn 65.
If you are enrolled in a Health Savings Account (HSA) – Option 1:
- And enroll in Medicare Part A, you must change to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) when you enroll in Medicare Part A, OR
- And want to keep your Health Savings Account (HSA) and delay enrollment into Medicare Part A. You must visit with Medicare and/or the Social Security Administration regarding the ramifications of doing this.
If you plan to retire three months before or after your 65th birthday. You must enroll in Medicare Part A at your first opportunity, which is the month in which you turn 65. (If your dob is the 1st day of the month, enroll the 1st day of the previous month). You must visit with Social Security Administration.
Spouse turning 65
If your spouse begins receiving Social Security benefits, Social Security automatically enrolls them in Medicare Part A. Visit with the Social Security Administration regarding this.
Enroll in Medicare Part A at the first opportunity, when s/he turns 65. It does not matter what State Employee Health Plan you are enrolled in, or if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA).
If you plan to retire 3 months before or after their 65th birthday, they should enroll in Medicare Part A at their first opportunity, which is the month in which they turn 65. (If dob is 1st day of month, enroll the 1st day of the previous month). Visit with the Social Security Administration. Your spouse may delay enrollment into Medicare Part B until you retire if you don't plan to retire 3 months before or after your 65th birthday.
Resources
Additional Medicare topics provided by K-State Research & Extension:
http://www.riley.k-state.edu/home-family/medicarebasics.html
The State of Kansas offers a Medigap policy for employees retiring that are Medicare eligible. By enrolling the State's Medigap policy, you may maintain the same dental and vision coverage as you currently have.
Information regarding Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D and other Medicare supplemental plans can be found here.
View the "Medicare is Just Around the Corner" webinar.
Social Security Administration (SSA) is your starting place for enrollment into Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Information, including locations and phone number can be found on the SSA's website.
Not interested in the State of Kansas Medigap supplemental plan? Check out the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) information here. Information for the local North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging, Inc. can be found on their website. NCFHAAA offers many services and is Manhattan's local aging and disabilities resource center.
NCFHAA401 Houston Street, Manhattan, KS 66502 Phone: 800-432-2703 Email: ncfhaaa@ncfhaaa.com |