Turning 65 - Hedges Insurance - Best in Atascadero, CA

Turning 65? Let’s Make This Easy.

If you’re close to 65, but NOT getting Social Security or RRB benefits, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare. Visit SSA.gov/medicare/sign-up to apply for Part A and Part B. You can also contact Social Security 3 months before you turn 65 to set up an appointment. If you worked for a railroad, visit RRB.gov, or call the RRB at 1-877-772-5772. TTY users can call 1-312-751-4701. In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have a delay in getting Medicare Part B coverage in the future because you can only sign up at certain times. You may also have to pay a late enrollment penalty (that’s added to your monthly premium) for as long as you have Part B

Do I Sign Up for Medicare?

If you ARE collecting Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled onto Medicare Parts A and B (and we will explain exactly what Parts A and B are and how they work).

If you are NOT collecting Social Security, you need to sign up for Part B. You can do this up to three (3) months before your 65th birthday month by going to www.medicare.gov or by calling the San Luis Obispo Social Security office 855-207-4865.

Feel free to call our office and we can walk you through that on the phone as well. Happy to help. You should get your Medicare ID card in 3 or 4 weeks. That’s when you should give us a ring for the next step.

Cost to You

You do not pay a monthly fee for Medicare Part A but you do for Part B. The standard Part B premium amount is $185 in 2025. This could be higher depending on your income. If you ARE collecting Social Security it will be automatically deducted from your check. If you ARE NOT collecting Social Security you will be billed.

After that, there are two roads you can walk down:

Option 1: Medicare Supplement and an Rx Card (Part D, standalone)

This type of insurance, also known as Medigap, helps cover the cost that Original Medicare doesn’t such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. While Original Medicare is very beneficial, many find that it leaves you with a lot of gaps in terms of out-of-pocket fees. Such gaps can really add up over time, which is why Medigap can help. You can also get an Rx card to help with covering prescription drugs.

Option 2: Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

You usually pay a monthly premium for the Medicare Advantage Plan in addition to your Part B premium. Depending on your age, needs, and healthcare plans, this extra premium could save you money in the long run. Medicare Advantage Plans also use copay systems, whereas Original Medicare charges you a percentage of a treatment’s cost for common health services. If you go to the doctor frequently or anticipate costly outpatient procedures, a Medicare Advantage Plan may be right for you.

Determining which of these options and which specific company is where we can help you save a terrific amount of money. This is because we are brokers and deal with all the major plans and know their nuances, our relationships with doctors and their networks and our 30 years plus of experience with Medicare plans. Of course you never pay a dime for our counsel.

Turning 65?

Turning 65? Let’s Make This Easy.

Do I Sign Up for Medicare?

Cost to You

After that, there are two roads you can walk down:

Both ways have their pros and cons. Give us a CALL to sit down with us.

Both ways have their pros and cons.
Give us a CALL to sit down with us.