Summer brings with it all kinds of thinking.  Where to vacation, what home projects to tackle, when to retire, etc.  If you’re thinking about retirement, here are some nuggets to remember when it comes to Medicare.

Medicare is for folks who are 65 or older, have been on Social Security Disability for 2 years, or anyone who has End Stage Renal Disease or ALS.

A lot of people will continue to work beyond the age of 65.  If that is you, and you have been on an Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP) but are considering retiring, there are some things you will need to know to be prepared for the Medicare Application Process.

First, you will need a form signed by your employer to show that you have had creditable coverage since turning 65.  This form is the CMS Form L564. You can search this form online and download it.  Your employer will need to complete this form for you AND your spouse/significant other if you are also covering that person on your EGHP.

If you haven’t started Medicare at all, you can go to SSA.gov and use the “Apply” section to enroll in Medicare.  You can sign up for your SSA Income benefits at the same time or you can do them separately.  You will need an account on SSA.gov to use the online application.  After you do this online form, you will need to get SSA the Form L564 that your employer completed either via fax or mail.

If you already have Part A, you can do a “Medicare Part B only” application either on paper or on the SSA.gov website.  With the Part B online application, you can attach the signed Form L564 to this application.

If you are not comfortable with an online application, you can schedule a phone appointment with SSA. You will need to call to schedule the appointment.  The appointment might be 4-6 weeks out so please leave enough time before you retire to get this appointment completed. I recommend calling three months before you retire.

For phone numbers or help getting forms, please call me. I’m happy to help.