Jeremy: Hi. I
retired on Friday and my company health insurance ends on January 31st.
How soon can I get a Medicare policy? I need something for February 1st.
Me: Well, congratulations
on the retirement. That’s awesome. How soon can you get a Medicare Policy…? Well,
that all depends. Are you 65 or older and do you already have Medicare Parts A
and B?
Jeremy: I
turned 65 in September. I have Part A, but don’t have Part B yet because I didn’t
need it. I was still working and had health insurance.
Me: Oh… Then
how long it’s going to take to get you a Medicare Policy is up in the air. It
could take Social Security anywhere from three to six weeks or more to process your
Part B and set the effective date. And
you can’t sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement until your
Part B effective date is set. Once it is, we can get you enrolled in a plan.
SO… the
moral of this little scenario is: If you’re turning 65 or retiring this year, it’s
NEVER TOO EARLY to figure out your roadmap and timing on applying for all the
things you’ll need in place.
It’s also
never too early to figure out what your options are if you’re turning 65 or
retiring this year. (For an easy-to-use, step-by-step Decision Tree, visit seniorbenefitsandbeyond.com and
click the Turning 65 Decisions Tab).
I know
Medicare is confusing. I’m here to make it simple and take all the stress out of the process. The bottom line
is six months before your 65th birthday or you
r retirement date, you
should have a conversation with me. We’ll go over the important deadline dates,
the how-tos and I’ll walk you through the process step by step.
Robin Tefft – Your New Jersey Medicare Specialist -- is a licensed health and life insurance agent
and owner of Senior Benefits and Beyond – Making Medicare Simple. To get in
touch, you can download my digital business card HERE. Or visit my website where you can get
quotes on the plans available in your area - no cost or obligation. MyMedicareNJ.com Better yet, give me a call,
and let's talk! 609-379-2887.
