THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 Page 7 Don’t Wait! — Start Planning Medicare Coverage at 64 f you’re retiring soon or know someone who is, you’re not alone. In 2024, a record 4.1 million Americans are expected to retire, with over 11,000 turning 65 every day. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “Peak 65” or the “Silver Tsunami” and will continue for the next several years — meaning a lot of people and their families are looking for answers about Medicare. Companies advertising I By Dr. Steven Angelo, Chief Medical Offi cer, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of Massachusetts Medicare plays an important Think 3-1-3 — You are eligible to apply for Medicare coverage between the three months before you turn 65 — the month you turn 65 — and the three months after turning 65. This is referred to as your Initial Enrollment Period. Understand consequences Medicare plans and Medicare enrollment opportunities may open their commercials with a person asking — “I just turned 65. What are my coverage options?” With all the coverage options and fi rst-time enrollment deadlines, people should begin planning early — and not wait until their 65th birthday to start thinking about their retirement health insurance needs and options. Following are some tips to help you, a loved one, or an employee to plan for post-retirement health care and to enroll in Medicare. of your choices — While you are not required to get Medicare, if you decide not to enroll at age 65 and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, there may be penalties when you do enroll — and these can be costly. Celebrate your 64th birthday — Thinking about retiring and what is next can be stressful so take time to enjoy your birthday, relax and then start planning. Begin planning right after your 64th birthday — The following are some questions to get you started. • Am I required to get Medicare coverage? • Are you planning to work past 65? Do you have coverage through your employer or spouse? • Can I get dental, vision and drug coverage in addition to medical coverage? • What if I cannot aff ord Medicare? • What if my birthday falls during the Annual Enrollment Period? Or just before? Do I need to enroll twice? How long am I covered under my Initial Enrollment plan? • What if I do not enroll on time? While beginning to plan early should avoid having to contemplate the consequences of not enrolling on time, choosing the right Medicare plan may still seem confusing. Many pre-retirees may never have shopped for their own health insurance. They chose between plans offered through their employers — if in fact, they were off ered options. However, there are lots of resources that can help guide one’s decisions. Medicare.gov is one place to start. You may also visit https://www.uhc.com/ medicare/medicare-education/ medicare-guide.html, which provides information on plan benefi ts, details on various enrollment periods, and other resources to answer your questions. role in the lives of people as they age. Making the right decisions right from the start can have long-term fi nancial and health consequences so plan early — and you can fully enjoy a stress-free 65th birthday. DENTAL 373 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617) 898 3384 ranashahidental@gmail.com Dental Restorations Crowns Sealants Fluoride Treatments Bonding GRAND OPENING Garima Rana, D.M.D Yen Vo, D.M.D SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welo welcome the loyal customers of tino Insur nce is p yal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM co Extractions Invisalign Cleanings Root Canals Emergency Care
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