Planning Guide for Seniors Insurance Coverage

Enrolling with a private health insurance company can be difficult and time-consuming - and, if you suffer from any kind of chronic health condition, it may often be flat-out impossible to obtain private coverage at all. Medicare, on the other hand, is guaranteed to everyone eligible for Social Security regardless of pre-existing medical conditions. Even better, once you start receiving Social Security benefits automatically at age 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B without needing to do any paperwork at all . Medicare Part B, Part C (aka Medicare Advantage) and Part D, however, are opt-in and therefore do require some paperwork.

Medicare Part B is still relatively simple to sign up for; you can enroll very easily once you're enrolled in Part A, or any time after that, at your local Social Security office. However, since Part C is far more customizable and Part D deals with prescription medication, there will be paperwork involved that is rather more time-consuming and complicated, and will also need to be filled out at your local Social Security office. Overall, however, the process is far easier and less time-consuming than any private health coverage provider, since you will be enrolled for at least part of the Medicare program automatically and the entire enrollment process is designed with senior citizens - and all the potential restrictions on their activity their age entails - in mind. And the ultimate result will be worth even the minor effort: peace of mind and a heavier wallet for you, thanks to having a reliable yet cheap Medicare insurance plan.

^*You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:

• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;

  OR

• The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or Your State Medicaid Office.