How good are you at solving mazes? They can be really difficult for me at times. There are people that find it difficult to figure out their Medicare decisions. It is like a maze to them. If they make the wrong choice, they can get lost and confused. I’m here to help you in solving the Medicare maze.
Three to six months prior to your 65th birthday you will receive a book from the Department of Health & Human Services, entitled “Medicare and You.” It says “the official U.S. Government Medicare handbook” at the very top. This is the most comprehensive information you will receive. It could be the only book you will need to read. You do not have to read every word, but it’s a great resource for clarifying things. Keep this book until you have made your decisions and maybe for the rest of your life in case you want to make changes in the future.
You should also receive your Medicare card from CMS – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. It should be in the same envelope as Medicare & You. It is a 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 piece of heavy-weight paper. This is your actual Medicare card. If you want Part B, you keep this card, cutting or tearing it out of that paper. Put it in your wallet. You only need it when you get medical services, so you can choose to carry it for medical appointments only. But then you need to remember to take it with you every time you have an appointment. Likely, you won’t have it in an emergency. However, your insurance plan may send you a card to use that will be plastic, like a credit card. If you do not want part B you would follow the directions and return the entire card back to Western Program Service Center. They will send you a new card.
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