Medicare Part B Enrollment
Question: I took the early Social Security option and receive a monthly stipend. I've been told, somewhere, that because I am already on SS payments, I need to do nothing to be signed on for Medicare. I turn 65 on 8/10/11.
Answer: Generally, if you are receiving Social Security Benefits, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B when you turn 65. I have had clients who had a glitch somewhere in the process so I always advise people to check with Social Security to make sure you are enrolled. You should receive a letter in the mail a couple months (sometime in May/ June for you) before your birth month letting you know you are enrolled in Medicare Part B with instructions about what to do if you wish to postpone enrollment. You get Medicare Part A, in most cases, without a premium so it begins automatically. If you don't receive your letter by mid-June, give Social Security a call (1-800-772-1213) to make sure you are set.
