Do I need to apply for Medicare? (plan, benefits, Kaiser)

[Saberhammonds]

I have been told that I will be automatically put on Medicare. Is this right or do I need to send in an application? What is your experience?

[arwenmark]

If you are already collecting SS retirement benefits when you are 65 then you will be automatically enrolled and they will deduct the premium from your benefit check, plus you can select a suppliment plan.

IF on the other hand you are not yet receiving benefits you will need to apply about 3 months before your 65th birthday.

[Saberhammonds]

Thanks. I am not on Social Security. Retired civil servant. Guess I will need to apply.

[arwenmark]

As a civil servant did you pay into Medicare while you were working?

[Ariadne22]

Originally Posted by arwenmark

As a civil servant did you pay into Medicare while you were working?

SH posted this on another thread:

Originally Posted by Saberhammonds

Hello high plains retired. I am still deciding what to do .... But will probably get part B as well. The senior advantage plan offered by my FEHB provider, Kaiser, requires it. They do reimburse me for the medicare payments I have to make, though. So there is that. I recommend looking into any such plan you may be interested in to see if there is that requirement for enrollment.

[theoldnorthstate]

thanks for this last post. I had wondered how the FEHB worked for we former feds.

Will call my current provider and see if they do the same.

[Saberhammonds]

Thanks, Ariadne. Yes, feds do pay into Medicare before they retire. CSRS, the retirement plan I was under, does (did) not have a Social Security component, therefore I cannot collect SS. the new federal retirement system does have SS as one of it's 3 legs.