The Age of Social Security and Medicare

In a few short months I will reach the age of "Medicare." For half a year I have been inundated with mailings from every health insurance company under the sun urging me to send for their informational packets. I thought Medicare was the total package. Guess I was wrong.

A couple of weeks ago I wandered into the local Social Security Office to register. The folks were courteous and helpful. All my information was available to them once I gave them my SSN. Questions: Are you working? Yes. Do you intend to continue working? I sorta think so. Might go part-time. Are you covered by your employer? Yes.

It was determined I qualify for Medicare Part A and B. But if I want perscription drug coverage, dental, hearing, eye care, I will need additional coverage. I will have to pay for Part B. I will also have to pay for additional coverage. I asked what kind of coverage I should get and was advised to visit my local Office of the Aging for information on what was available and what would best suit my needs.

Today I made an appointment. Somehow, I thought it would be easier than this. Foolish me. For years my employer has payed increasingly exhorbidant rates for health insurance that covered less and less. But time and again I heard "Once you are on Medicare, it is wonderful. Everything is so easy." Maybe things will work out that way once everything is in place. For now, I feel like I am wandering around in a maze / haze. I have developed a whole new level of respect for my 96 year old mother, who has been dealing with these issues on her own since 1995 when my Dad died.

I suspect there will be more to come on this subject.