HOW TO APPLY FOR MEDICARE

Social Security and You: How to apply for Medicare

By Oscar Garcia - Express-News columnist
Question: How do I apply for Medicare?

Answer: Most people qualify for Medicare when they
turn 65.

You qualify for it if you're eligible for Social Security or
Railroad Retirement benefits. Or you may qualify on a
spouse's (including divorced spouse's) record. Others
qualify because they are government employees not covered
by Social Security who paid the Medicare part of the
Social Security tax.

In addition, if you've been getting Social Security disability
benefits for 24 months or get Social Security disability
benefits and have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(Lou Gehrig's disease), you'll qualify for Medicare.

You also may qualify if you have permanent kidney failure
and you receive maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant.

If you already are getting Social Security benefits, you'll
automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

However, because you must pay a premium for Part B
coverage, you have the option of turning it down.

You will be contacted by mail a few months before you
become eligible and given all the information you need.

If you are not already getting benefits when you turn 65,
you should call (800) 772-1213 three months prior to your
birthday so we can help you decide if you should
sign up for Medicare.

You should do this even if you plan to continue working or
do not think you have enough work credit under Social
Security because Medicare enrollment period rules are
very strict. If you would like to file for Medicare only,
you can apply by calling (800) 772-1213.

Q: In a few years, I will turn 62 and would like to retire.
I know that Social Security's full retirement age gradually is
rising from 65 to 67. But does this mean the “early”
retirement age also will be going up by two years, from
age 62 to 64?

A: No. While it is true that the full retirement age gradually
is rising from 65 to 67, the “early” retirement age will
remain at 62. So you can go ahead with your plans to
retire early.

Keep in mind, however, that by taking early retirement,
your benefits will be reduced. For more information on
the factors to consider, read through the available websites:

http://www.medicare.gov and
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/SSA_Home.html

Oscar Garcia is a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social
Security Administration, You can direct your questions to
him at: SSA, 727 E. Durango Blvd, Room B701, San Antonio,
TX 78206. You also can e-mail him at: oscar.h.garcia@ssa.gov.