* The Local office is usually better since surveys report Individuals received incorrect information when calling SS's main 800 # !
When calling the SS office tell them you want to talk to a Retirement person then ask about:
● Completing your application for Part B and activating Part A.
● The options on how to pay your Part B monthly cost. It will be $164.90 a month in 2023.
Some background on paying a share of Part B's overall costs:
● Your $164.90 share is 25% of MediCare Part B's overall costs across the US divided by the number of individuals covered by Part B.
● 2023's $164.90 will be higher if the AGI on your IRS 1040,from two years ago, is above 91k for Single & 182k for Joint. There are five income levels above the base 91k,. Each level has a higher monthly cost!
When to start SS benefits? SS has good info on selecting a good age to start. This summary may be useful.
A back and forth conversation with a SS Retirement person about signing up has many advantages.
You can also Sign Up — On-Line — on this SS page However, it's:
● Somewhat complicated so I recommend being careful.
● Not recommended when leaving an employer plan after 65! — Call if any questions on why. .
Note: When the application is complete and coverage is available - MediCare then calls you "entitled" [not enrolled ] tor:
● Part A — inpatient care in a hospital.
● Part B — medically necessary outpatient services.
Entitled is on your MediCare ID card above the date your Part A & B medical coverage started!
The number on your ID card is called your MBI:
● The Medicare Beneficiary Identifier has:
- ● 4 upper case letters & numbers — 3 more — and 4 more.
● To avoid confusion with certain numbers and letters it does not use the letters S, L, O, I, B, and Z to eliminate confusion between letters and numbers such “0” and letter “O”.
There is a picture of the ID card on this page and info explaining the new style ID card.