Baby Boomers’ Medicare Sign-up

For many older Baby Boomers, it may be difficult to believe that age 65 and the time to sign up for Medicare is either here or fast approaching. There are numerous options and decisions to be made, but it is important to note that if you don’t sign up when first eligible, future Medicare premiums could be higher than normal.

If you began receiving social security retirement benefits before age 65, the Social Security Administration will automatically enroll you in Medicare Part A and Part B effective the month you turn age 65. For example, if your 65th birthday is September 20, 2011, your Medicare effective date will be September 1, 2011. Your Medicare card will be mailed approximately three months before your 65th birthday.

If you are close to age 65 and not yet receiving social security retirement benefits or Medicare, you can apply for both at the same time. To ensure your Medicare Part B coverage start date is not delayed, you should apply three months before the month you turn age 65. This is the beginning of the seven-month initial enrollment period. If you wait until age 65, or in the last three months of the initial enrollment period, your Medicare Part B coverage start date will be delayed. You can apply for Medicare at a local Social Security office or online at www.ssa.gov.