Talking to the Local SS office * * is usually best! Surveys report some individuals received incorrect information when calling SS's main 800 number!
Tell the Local office you want to talk to a Retirement person!
Note: Local SS offices, including New London's in the Shaws Cove complex often want to set up a telephone appointment.
I suggest asking for a face-to-face appointment. Talking to a local SS Retirement person about signing up at 65 has many advantages. Ask about:
● Completing your application for Part B and activating Part A.
● The options SS offers to pay your share of Part B monthly cost?
What does Part B cost?
● Your share, in 2024 for Part B is $174.70. It's called the base monthly cost and is 25% of MediCare Part B's overall costs across the US then divided by the number of individuals covered by Part B.
I heard I might have to pay more for Part B!
● Some beneficiaries do! When the AGI on a Single filer's IRS 1040 from two years ago is above 103k or 206k for a Joint filer, the monthly cost will be higher than the Base.
Note: The legislation that implemented charging higher-income individuals a bigger share of Part B's overall cost called the extra cost an "income-related monthly adjustment amount" referred to as IRMMA.
Note: Page two on this link shows the five income-based levels above the 2024 103k base. Each income level adds an additional amount each month to the Base amount!
* * FYI: You can also sign up online for MediCare on — This SS page :
● Somewhat complicated, so I recommend being careful.
● Not recommended if over 65 and leaving an employer plan!
Call John at (860) 451-9793 [ Google voice #] if any questions.
A key point: When an individual's application is complete, MediCare calls them "entitled" [not enrolled ] for coverage * * that starts the first of their eligible month. It includes:
● Part A — covers inpatient care in a hospital.
● Part B — covers the many kinds of outpatient services.
Note: * * Medicare only covers treatments and services they deem medically necessary.
Individuals are mailed an ID card, which has Entitled printed above the date their Part A & B medical coverage started!
Note: There is a picture of the Medicare card on this page.
Each individual's ID card includes a unique number called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier with 11 upper-case letters and numbers.
● The format has four characters — then three more — then four more.
● To avoid confusion between specific numbers and letters, such as number zero "0" and capital letter "O". the MBI does not use letters S, L, O, I, B, and Z.
Financial Advisors indicate there is no standard answer to the question — when to begin receiving Social Security benefits, However, this information from SS may be useful to individuals reaching 65!
● When individuals become fully eligible is on page 3 of this Pub!
● The value of waiting past full retirement age.