Are you turning 65 this year? You are probably full of questions. When does Medicare start? How much will it cost? I'm here to help you.

Most people are eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. More specifically if you have received your Medicare card it will begin the first day of the month you are born. For example My mother will turn 65 December 20th. Medicare actually starts for her December 1st. The exception to this rule is if you were born on the 1st of the month. An example is if your birthday is July 1st. Your Medicare will start June 1st.

People on disability for a certain amount of time also qualify for Medicare but I will focus on those turning 65 for today.

Your Medicare card and information about what amount will be coming out of your Social Security check every month should come a few months before you turn 65. Normally you don't have to do anthing unless you DON'T want Medicare.

2009 Premiums

Everybody pays a premium for Medicare part B. Some people will argue and say that they don't pay. They just don't realize it because it almost always comes directly out of Social Security. The premium goes up a little bit most years. The premium for 2009 is $96.40. Those who have high incomes may pay more for their part B premium. It comes out of your check every month which saves you from having to send it in.

Some people also pay a premium for part A but it is much less common. For 2009 it is either $244.00 or $443.00 depending on circumstances.

Those are the only premiums you pay for Medicare. Most people only pay $96.40 for their Medicare which is pretty cheap insurance and is also pretty decent insurance. You are required to have a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. If you choose not to you may have to pay a penalty in the future if you decide to enroll in a plan.

You are not REQUIRED to have any supplement to Medicare although many choose to.

Turning 65 may mean making changes but don't worry they won't hurt too bad.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

Many choose to have some sort of supplemental coverage in addition to Medicare. While Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPD) are not supplements they can be very helpful for people. Especially folks who need a bit more than Medicare alone but can't quite afford a supplement. Keep in mind that you don't have to worry about pre-existing conditions.

In some states MA's and MAPD's are free while in others you will pay a low premium. You then make reasonable co-payments. You may ask why you would want to do that when Medicare is already paid for.

A couple of reasons. First you won't pay deductibles. You have immediate coverage. Secondly in many cases you will have a maximum out of pocket. This may not seem important but if you have a tough year and end up in the hospital a few times your out of pocket expenses on Medicare alone can be kind of expensive. At this point there is NO maximum out of pocket on Medicare alone.

Medicare on it's own is terrific but if maximum out of pocket costs and low premiums are a concern you may want to go the route of an MA. MAPD's are the same as an MA but include Medicare's Prescription Drug plan. This in it's own can be very beneficial because you won't have a second premium.

Most of us are used to having some out of pocket expenses and taking on part of the cost of our medical care. MA's and MAPD's are great for many people turning 65.

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS

Medicare Supplements aren't as cut and dry and Medicare Advantage plans for the simple reason there are many different plans. You are always best off seeing an agent. At least go to Medicare's site for more information. If you are a smoker you are probably going to pay significantly more than someone who doesn't. Turning 65 gives you an open enrollment period which means that pre-existing conditions don't matter. You will be accepted. This is great news for those who may have had some problems in the past. If you change companies or plans in the future you will probably have to qualify.

If you know that you will need a great deal of medical assistance in the future a supplement is probably the way to go. The reason I say to see and agent is to find out which plan is best for you. There are plans A-k. Some have been discontinued and there are new high deductible plans. You really need to sit down together and discuss your needs.

If you want the assurance of knowing that you will pay around $150.00 or so and have every Medicare approved procedure paid for in full between Medicare and Your insurance company then by all means get a plan F or similar.

If you would rather pay a small premium and accept part of the financial responsibility then a high deductible plan or Medicare Advantage plan might be the way to go.

Keep in mind that Medicare was never intended to pay all of your bills. It is there to help you afford the medical care that you need. You may be eligible for low income assistance for your prescription drug premiums or even other premiums as well. Check to see if you have state programs, go to seminars, stop in at your local senior center or the centers on aging.

Ask questions. If a family member will be helping you bring them along. It's too hard to remember all of the details and try to relay the information to someone else. Even an agent will use a presentation book. Turning 65 may seem like it is complicated or brings about too many changes but think about the alternative. NOT turning 65. Hmmmmm doesn't seem so bad now does it?

Prescription Drug Plans

Everyone on Medicare is eligible for a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. There are three plans available and the premium varies by insurance company and by state. They are administered by private insurance companies.

There are many companies offering the plans. Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Humana, United Health Care, Sterling and many others. Look up the number to one or more companies and set up an appointment.

You are NOT required to tell anyone what prescriptions you take but it is pretty hard for anyone to know which plan is better for you if you don't. Many people turning 65 don't have high prescription drug costs. You may want to consider your family history and talk to them to find out when and if their drug needs changed to help you decide what plan you may need.

If you aren't comfortable with the person you talk to then ask for someone else. You really need to feel good about the person helping you because they are also your connection for customer service or any other insurance need you may have. I hate to nag but ASK QUESTIONS. It can only help you in the long run and a good agent will realize that