With the new health care law soon to fully be in effect, there is a tighter control on private health plans offering Medicare coverage to beneficiaries.  According to the article “Medicare Health Insurance is a Basic Necessity: Here are the Basics” by Pam Foster from The Atom Stack Tribune, there are 12 standard medicare supplemental health insurance plans available and this can cause much confusing for those shopping around.

Medicare is a federal government program that offers health insurance to retired individuals meeting certain criteria.  Anyone receiving Social Security benefits is enrolled in Medicare at age 65 and if you are not receiving Social Security benefits before 65 you just need to enroll.  Individuals can sign up anytime during a 7 month period that starts 3 months before the 65th birthday.

If you choose to delay retirement until after 65, you should still enroll once you turn 65 since it won’t be automatic.  Those who are eligible for automatic enrollment will receive notification through the mail from the Social Security Administration a few months before the 65th birthday.  You may also be eligible for Medicare if you are disabled or have end stage renal disease.  Whatever your circumstance be sure to have all the information you need for adequate Medicare and Medicare supplement insurance coverage in your retirement years.