Q: I am a CSRS federal retiree with 35 years of service who will turn 65 in late December. Will I automatically receive Medicare Part A and Part B or will I have to sign up for Part B? If not, can I apply for Part B before I receive Part A? I am not due to receive Part A until December 1. I am currently covered by Anthem Federal Blue Cross in New Hampshire. I retired from federal service in 2005.
A: You don’t automatically get either Medicare Part A or Part B. You have to apply for them. You can begin the process online beginning four months before your 65th birthday. Just go to www.ssa.gov/medicareonly.
