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Turning 65
Your Medicare countdown

With so much information to process in the next year, we have provided you with a timeline of the type of information you should research and when to do it:

• Nine months before you turn 65:

Learn the basics about Medicare and related health plans and become familiar with common terms and definitions. Find out what costs you will be responsible for. If you are still working and planning on retiring in the next year, ask your employer about your company's sponsored health benefits for retirees.

• Six months before you turn 65:

Understand the differences between the types of Medicare related health plans and develop a list of what's important to you in a health plan.

• Four months before you turn 65:

Compare the details of different Medicare health plans available in your area and decide which plan is best for you.

• Three months before you turn 65:

Enroll now!
Call Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield or fill out the form to the right to request an enrollment kit.

Request More Information


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Countdown To 65

At Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, we are committed to providing information that will help you understand the complex Medicare system and help ensure that you are ready to make an informed decision regarding your health coverage.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 years or older and people who are under 65 with certain disabilities and/or diseases.

Who is eligible for Medicare?

You are eligible for Medicare if you are a U.S. citizen or have been a permanent legal resident for five continuous years, and:

  • you are 65 years or older and eligible to receive Social Security; or
  • you are under 65, permanently disabled, and have received Social Security disability insurance payments for at least two years; or
  • you get continuing dialysis for permanent kidney failure or need a kidney transplant

What should you be doing now?

As you are getting closer to becoming eligible to receive Medicare, there are a number of things to consider in determining the type of coverage and plan you will need. If you are currently working and getting ready to retire, find out from your employer what your retirement coverage options are and the costs and benefits associated with each. If you will not be receiving coverage from your employer and have a spouse that will be working, determine if you can obtain coverage from their insurance plan. To continue your planning and make your search easier, we have included some general questions you should ask yourself to find the right coverage for you. Begin with these questions:

Do you want coverage for certain benefits, like prescription drugs or routine physical exams?

Determine the benefits that are of the most importance to you. Original Medicare alone does not cover prescription drugs, dental services, or all costs associated with physical exams. Some health plans (like Medicare Advantage plans) offer additional coverage for these services. You will need to determine specifically which type of plan will include the best benefits to fit your health care needs.

How important is doctor and hospital choice to you?

Most HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans require you to choose a physician within their network and to get a referral each time you need to go to a specialist. Many PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations) plans and Medicare Supplement plans allow you to see the doctor of your choice. Costs may be higher if you go outside an insurer's network.

What are your monthly health care costs?

Consider your current spending on health care along with your anticipated future spending. Remember that you will be required to pay your Medicare Part B premium each month. Your Part B premium is based on your income. Most people will pay the 2009 standard monthly Part B premium of $96.40 (you must meet an annual deductible of $135.00). However, some people will pay a higher premium based on their modified adjusted gross income. Your monthly premium will be higher if you file an individual tax return and your annual income is more than $85,000, or if you are married (file a joint tax return) and your annual income is more than $170,000. These amounts change each year.

Determining the cost and coverage that you need up front will help you be more prepared when it comes time for you to make a decision.

What are all the different “parts” of Medicare?

Part A – Hospital Insurance
 
Part B – Medical Insurance
 
Part C – Medicare Advantage
 
Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage