* 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 share of Part B's monthly cost. It's $170.10 a month in 2022.
[Note: It was $148.50 in 2021 and is projected to be lower in 2023.]
Background on what you pay for Part B:
● Your monthly payment is 25% of MediCare Part B's overall costs across the US divided by the number of individuals participating.
● $170.10 is the base amount in 2022,. But it 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 91k, and each 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 has many advantages. However, you can also sign up on this SS page Note: Online sign up is:
● 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 - MediCare then calls you "entitled" [not enrolled ] to coverage under:
● 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!
Note:
● The number on the ID card is called your — Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) It's unique to you and:
- ● Has — 4 upper case letters & numbers — 3 more — and 4 more.
● Does not use letters S, L, O, I, B, and Z to avoid confusion with numbers such as “0” and letter “O”.
There is a picture of the ID card on this page and info explaining the new style ID card.