It's Time for Medicare Enrollment

If you are about to turn 65, retired and are taking Social Security payments, enrollment in Medicare will be automatic as of the first day of your 65th birthday month.

Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 is the time of year to re-evaluate your Medicare health coverage to be sure it will meet your health care needs going forward, learn whether your prescriptions are still covered in 2021 and understand any changes that occurred in your current plans.

Medicare can be confusing, so how will you choose the best plan(s) to fit your unique health needs?

The website of www.Medicare.gov is there to create your own MyMedicare account, store medical records, sign up for Medicare for the first time at age 65, check or compare drug costs, and to find out which procedures are covered and find and research medical providers in your area.

If you are about to turn 65, retired and haven’t started taking Social Security payments, you should know that enrollment in Medicare is not automatic. You will need to enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital in-patient coverage), Medicare Part B (out-patient services) and Medicare Part D (prescription plan).

Also, some people with lower incomes may qualify for programs that can reduce Medicare-related costs. There is a Medicare Savings Programs for people on Medicare with limited income and resources that can help with coinsurance, co-pays, deductibles and prescription drug costs.

Your drug plan must tell you each year if your drug coverage is considered creditable coverage. They may send you this information in a letter, or draw your attention to it in a newsletter or other piece of correspondence. Keep this information, because you may need it if you join a Medicare drug plan later and want to avoid the Part D late enrollment penalty. If you have creditable prescription drug coverage when you first become eligible for Medicare, generally you can keep it without paying the late enrollment penalty if you sign up for Part D later.

At Southwind Agency, our best advice helps you generate a comprehensive set of recommendations. Our step-bystep process will lead you to a relevant solutions and give you the confidence that you have made the right decision.

Contact Tammara Lawson 706-867-0009 or visit www.Southwind.Agency to make an appointment