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, are open. They may be closed some days and 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 is your share of Part B cost?
● The base monthly cost in 2024 for Part B is $174.70. This base amount 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 more 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 level adds an additional amount each month to the Base amount!
* * FYI: You can also sign up for MediCare online using — 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.
When approved for Part A & B, individuals are mailed an ID card that has Entitled printed above the date their Part A & B medical coverage started!
Note: There is a picture on this page.
The ID card includes a unique number assigned to each individual called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier. It's made up of:
● 11 upper-case letters and numbers with a format of 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.
There is no standard answer on when to begin receiving Social Security benefits, but individuals reaching 65 may have questions. Thus, this information from SS may be useful:
● When individuals become fully eligible is on page 3 of this Pub!
● The value of waiting past full retirement age.