Medicare basics.
If you are about to turn 65 years old, you may sign up for Medicare Parts A & B up to 3 months prior to your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday and 3 months following your 65th birthday on the social security website. Once you sign up it takes 3-4 weeks until your Medicare card arrives in US Mail. Once receive card begin shopping for Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. This office only offers United Health Care AARP Plans.
Medicare Advantage includes part A & B along with prescription drug coverage and some additional extras: dental, vision, hearing, gym membership etc. Medicare Advantage is typically an HMO, where you have a primary doctor. In the St Louis, MO area, United Health Care offers 6 programs of which 4 are typically used.
Medicare Supplements insurance offers many plans A-G and a person typically can use any doctor who accepts Medicare patients. Medicare Supplements do not include prescription drug plans, a separate prescription plan is available.
My tip to begin the Medicare Road is sign up 3 months before your 65th birthday, once you have done this, then begin reviewing Advantage and Supplement plans to get a feel for them. If you want more information on AARP United Health Care Medicare Advantage or Supplements, please contact me at 314-727-6000 or dflanflanins@yahoo.com.