Countdown to 65

The best thing about turning 65 is eligibility for Medicare. If you contributed to Medicare through U.S. payroll taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) before turning 65 and you have no special circumstances^*, you’re eligible.

The initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window beginning 3 months before you turn 65. If you sign up within 6 months of your 65th birthday, coverage starts either on the first day of your birthday month, or if your birthday falls on the 1st day of the month, coverage starts the month before you turn 65.

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you were automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B effective in the month you turned 65.

There are many resources through the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) 1-800-686-1578.

1. Where can I find information on Medicare supplement insurance in Ohio?

A. If you are receiving Social Security, you will receive a consumer guide in the mail from The Ohio Department of Insurance. Read it online.

2. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

A. Medicare is federal health insurance for people age 65 or older, under 65 with certain disabilities and any age with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure) requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Medicaid is a medical assistance program for low-income people and jointly funded by the federal government and the states.

3. Is Medicare free?

A. To qualify for Medicare you must have contributed to it through U.S. payroll taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) before turning 65. For this fact alone, it’s not free. However, many people do not pay a premium for Part A. Part B is not free. When Medicare started in 1965, Part B was $3 per month. Today’s monthly premium is $104.90 or higher! Advantage plans and supplemental insurance add to the cost.

4. What is an Advantage plan?

A. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are part of the Medicare Program but run by private insurance companies. With Medicare Advantage plans you generally get all your Medicare-covered health care through that plan. Coverage can include prescription drug coverage or extra benefits, such as coverage for vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. You may have to use the plan’s network doctors and hospitals to get services. You don’t need to buy a Medigap policy when you have an Advantage Plan. These plans may require a monthly premium in addition to your Part B premium.

5. Am I eligible for Medicare?

A. Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and you are 65 years or older and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. If you are not yet 65, you might also qualify for coverage if you have a disability or have End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant).

Most people on Medicare pay a premium for Part A. However, you can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if:

• You already get retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
• You are eligible to get Social Security or Railroad benefits but you haven’t yet filed for them.
• You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.
• If you are under 65, you can get Part A without having to pay premiums if you have:
  • Received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months.
  • End-Stage Renal Disease and meet certain requirements.

  While you do not have to pay a premium for Part A if you meet one of these conditions, you must pay for Part B if you want it.

6. How do I enroll in Medicare?

A. If you began receiving Social Security income prior to age 65 or you receive Social Security disability income, your enrollment is automatic. Everyone else must apply for Medicare through the Social Security office.
You can apply online.

7. How long do I have to enroll?

A. If are just now turning 65, you have a total of seven months to enroll beginning three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ending three months after the month of your 65th birthday. If you apply before your birth month, your Medicare coverage should start on the first day of your birth month.

8. What happens if I miss the enrollment period?

A. If you don’t enroll in Medicare during your initial seven-month enrollment period, you must wait to apply during the next general enrollment period (January through March each year and the effective date will be July 1). You may also owe a 10 percent penalty on your Part B premium for each year you delay Part B.

9. Why do I need Medicare supplement insurance?

A. Original Medicare does not pay all medical expenses. A Medicare supplement policy fills most of Medicare’s coverage gaps. You have options.

10. Will Medicare pay for hearing aids, dentures, eye exams, eyeglasses, etc.?

A. No. Coverage is available through stand-alone insurance plans or through most Medicare Advantage plans.

^* Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). If these conditions apply to you or your family, contact one of our Agents at (513) 451-8131