Q: Mrs. B, of Henagar, Ala., writes: “I have a two-part question: I will be 65 this year but my full retirement age is age 66. When am I supposed to enroll in Medicare?
And how will I be affected by the new Healthcare Reform Act that was recently passed by Congress?”
A: If you have paid enough into the Social Security system then you will be eligible for Medicare benefits at 65. If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits then you must file an application for Medicare.
You can do this up to three months prior to your 65th birthday. You may choose to file for these benefits by completing an online application at www.socialsecurity.gov, by setting up an appointment at your local Social Security office to file a claim.
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits based on early retirement, your Medicare will automatically begin at age 65. You will receive your Medicare card about 30 days prior to your birthday. You have the option of refusing Part B of Medicare because you will be required to pay a monthly premium for the coverage.
However, most people do not refuse Part B unless they are covered by a Group Health Plan based on their own or their spouse’s current employment. If you refuse Medicare Part B based on current employment then you must contact SSA as soon as your employment ends so you can be enrolled in Medicare Part B without incurring a penalty.
Social Security doesn’t yet have complete information about the new Healthcare Reform Act. Congress is still working out the details. As soon as we receive definite information, we will make it available on our website and in printed materials.
Further reference for this question and many others can be found at our website: www.socialsecurity.gov under the Questions segment in the right column. Select “Benefits”, then hit GO. Search by keyword.
Q: “How do I change my citizenship status on Social Security’s records?”
A: To change your citizenship status shown in Social Security records:
Complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5), which you can find online at www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html ; and
* Locate documents proving your:
— New or revised citizenship status (only certain documents can be accepted as proof of citizenship. These include your U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current immigration documents)
— Age
— Identity
Then take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office. Documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
Get answers to your Social Security questions each Thursday from the Social Security District Director Martin Coffey. Submit questions by writing to Business Editor John Vass Jr., Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or by e-mailing him at jvass@timesfreepress.com.