We Help You With Medicare.
The Big Retirement Benefits
Common knowledge is that Social Security and Medicare are the two big benefits available to us in our mature years. Less common, however, is understanding how the two connect. Navigating these two institutions can be complex, so I’d like to give you a few pointers to help you understand the overlap between Social Security and Medicare. Social Security is designed to provide a modicum of financial protection after our working days are over. You may enroll for Social Security payments at age 62, but if you plan on working beyond that age, you may defer retirement payments. Your Social Security payout depends on what you earned during your 35 highest-earning years. If you are receiving Social Security payments prior to 65, you will automatically be placed in the Medicare database. As you near 65, you’ll start finding Medicare enrollment forms in your mailbox. If you are still working past 65, are deferring Social Security, and want Medicare, be proactive. Go to ssa.gov, set up an online profile, and enroll in Medicare Part B. Alternatively, you can visit a local Social Security office to enroll. While you may continue on employer-provided coverage past age 65
without Medicare, plan to enroll your Medicare in preparation for leaving the group plan.
Now let’s talk about how you pay for Medicare. Medicare Part A may be received “premium-free,” provided you have paid a minimum of 40 quarters of Medicare tax during your working years. Part B is more complicated. Once you enroll in Social Security, Part B premiums will be automatically drawn from your monthly deposit. If you begin Medicare before Social Security, you will receive a quarterly invoice for your Part B premium. However, beware! You will incur a late enrollment penalty if you delay Part B enrollment past 65 without a valid reason. The final required component of Medicare is the Prescription Drug Program, which can be provided through a stand-alone Part D plan or through a Medicare Advantage Health Plan (Part C). You may also enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan at your own discretion. As your “full-service” Medicare agent, I am able to assist you with information about and enrollments in stand-alone prescription drug plans, supplements, and advantage plans.
SUDOKU
MARVELOUS MACARONI SALAD
Dressing •
Salad •
1 cup mayonnaise
½ pound macaroni, cooked, drained, and cooled 1 cup sliced celery ½ cup chopped green pepper
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2 tablespoons vinegar 1 tablespoon mustard 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper
• •
• •
½ cup chopped red pepper
½ cup chopped green onion
Instruction
1. Mix together dressing ingredients. 2. Mix together salad ingredients. 3. Mix dressing and salad together. Chill before serving. 4. Enjoy!
Solution
Recipe inspired by Food.com.
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