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| Signing Up for Medicare |
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| A: If you start getting Social Security benefits before age 65, you will not have to apply for Medicare. You will be enrolled automatically in Medicare (Parts A and B), and your Medicare card will be mailed to you about three months before your 65th birthday. If you wish, you can waive Part B by following instructions on your card. |
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| If you don't start collecting Social Security before age 65, you should apply for Medicare about three months before your 65th birthday. You can apply by contacting any Social Security Administration office. Medicare coverage will begin when you turn 65, assuming you're eligible. |
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| If you do have to apply for Medicare, your "initial enrollment period" starts three months before your 65th birthday and lasts seven months. If you do not apply for Medicare during your initial enrollment period, you'll have to wait until the next "general enrollment period" to apply. General enrollment periods are January 1 to March 31 of each year. |
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| Even if you continue working after you turn 65, you should sign up for Medicare Part A. It might pay some costs not covered by the health insurance you have through your employer. It may not, however, be advisable to sign up for Part B if you have health insurance through your employer. You would have to pay the monthly Part B premium. Also, the Part B benefits may be of limited value to you as long as the employer plan is the primary payer of your medical bills. |
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