Baby Boomers were born in an era when deals were still sealed with a handshake. You negotiated terms face-to-face for major purchases like cars, property, and insurance before signing on the dotted line. Business has changed, however, as territories have grown and customers have become more transient. Now you’re much more likely to sign up for services like Medicare over the phone.
Medicare Signup
After paying into the system your entire working life, you’re probably already aware that at 65, you are eligible for Medicare health insurance. So, if you’re close to turning 65, it’s time to start making decisions about the kind of health insurance coverage you think you’re going to need. Even if you continue working and are covered by your employer’s health insurance plan, you may still be eligible for some Medicare benefits.
Understanding the basics of how Medicare signup works will help you make the best decisions moving forward. The chances are that you have friends and relatives who have already enrolled and are eager to dispense advice. Remember that one size does not necessarily fit all with Medicare, so it’s worth a little research to ensure that you’re choosing the coverage that will work best for you.
It helps to have an advocate that you can contact by phone to help you understand the alphabet soup of Medicare Plans A, B, D, and on and on. Getting the most out of your current coverage and helping you find additional services—as needs change—is what Senior Angel does. Call (800) 516-9929 to speak to a licensed agent about Medicare over the phone
You also need to know that Medicare will not send you any notification as a reminder to sign up. So, get ready. Mark, your calendar ahead of time, do your research and be prepared to begin the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) three months before your birthday. The mechanisms of the government move slowly, so by starting early, you can ensure that you’ll have your card in hand by the time your eligibility date rolls around.
Medicare Over the Phone, or Online
If you’re the patient sort with some free time, then you may want to call the Medicare phone number directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to begin the enrollment process. Once you get through, you’ll be able to schedule an appointment to speak with a Social Security representative.
If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage Plan to bundle all your coverage, then you can always call an approved insurance provider directly to discuss the options that they provide. Contacting private providers will get you details about their options and premiums. But will they have the best coverage for you? They may not, but you can bet that they’ll try their best to sell you what they have.
Senior Angel is not an insurance company where agents push plans that work best for their companies. Instead, they’ll take the time to determine your needs and help you comparison shop for a policy that works best for you. Talk to a licensed agent at 800.516.9929 for an objective look into hundreds of options offered by dozens of different insurers.
If you prefer, you can also begin the relatively simple process of applying for Medicare online by starting here https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/.
Pros and Cons
There are pros to signing up for Medicare in the comfort of your own home, like no crowds, no waiting, and no worries if you leave a required document at home. This leads us to the only con. Whether you sign up for Medicare by phone or online, you’ll still need to present certain sensitive documents for verification, including:
- Your original birth certificate or a certified copy
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- Your Social Security card if you’re already receiving SSA benefits
- Health insurance information
- Tax information
- Military documents
- And a Part B enrollment application
If you’ve applied by phone or online, the bad news is that you have to mail original versions of these documents to Social Security, where they will make certified copies, then return the originals to you. To ensure that the process is smooth and secure, it’s probably best to start the process online or on the phone then make an appointment to present your documents in person. The SSA agent will have them verified, copied, and then you can return home with them safely in your possession.
Medicare Help
Medicare signup can be daunting the first time, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help with all the decisions you’re going to need to make before enrollment. There are hundreds of plans and options available, so you’re going to want to choose carefully. For free assistance with navigating the process, call a licensed Medicare expert at 800.516.9929.
Since Senior Angel doesn’t work for any specific insurance company, they can help you make the most informed decisions with your initial Medicare enrollment or help you make changes to existing coverage. If you’re on a tight budget, their experts can help you get the best coverage without breaking the bank.
Together, Original Medicare or Part A and Part B cover about 80% of the typical healthcare costs seniors face—leaving a few significant gaps in coverage. Contact the experts at Senior Angel to help you explore Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans designed to help lower costs and extend coverage. You’ll find peace of mind knowing that you won’t leave behind a mountain of unpaid medical bills for your loved ones to deal with.
Unlike some other senior healthcare options, Medicare Supplement plans offer the advantage of flexibility, giving you the freedom to enroll in or change your Medicare Supplement policy at any time. And because Medicare Supplement policies are guaranteed for renewal so you can’t lose coverage if you develop a new or worsening health condition. Senior Angel can help you find the protection you can count on year after year.
There is never a charge for services provided by Senior Angel, so what are you waiting for? Call 800.516.9929 to get started. You have nothing to lose but high premiums, unnecessary extra costs, and gaps in your coverage.