* The Local office is usually better! Surveys have reported 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! When talking ask about:
● Completing your application for Part B and activating Part A.
● Your options for paying your share of Part B monthly cost. The base amount is $164.90 a month in 2023.
Background on paying your Part B's costs:
● The base $164.90 is 25% of MediCare Part B's overall costs across the US divided by the number of individuals covered by Part B.
● Your monthly cost will be higher than the base if the AGI on your IRS 1040, from two years ago, is above 97k for a Single filer & 194k for Joint. There are five income levels above the up to 97k base. Each level adds additional monthly cost to the $164.90!
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.
But 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 John [ (860) 451-9793] if questions on why. .
Note: When your application is complete and coverage is available - MediCare calls you "entitled" [not enrolled ] for medically necessary treatment or services:
● Part A — inpatient care in a hospital.
● Part B — covers the many kinds of 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 Medicare Beneficiary Identifer:
● The MBI for each person has:
- ● 4 upper case letters & numbers — 3 more — and 4 more.
● To avoid confusion between certain numbers and letters the MBI does not use letters S, L, O, I, B, and Z to eliminate confusion between letters and numbers such “0” and letter “O”.
This page has a picture of the ID card and info explaining the new style ID card.