Q. I am an unmarried 64-year-old CSRS annuitant who will turn 65 on July 15. I’ve had Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage for many years. What should I do about Medicare and when?
A. You can apply online at www.ssa.gov/medicareonly. Do it a few months in advance to avoid delays in being covered.
2 Comments
I am a CSRS annuitant who has had “high” option Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance for several years. I will attain age 65 in 03/2016 and just recently applied for Medicare online. I realize that my BC/BS monthly premiums will not be adjusted downwards even though Medicare will be primary. My question is this…..I am wondering if it would be advisable to elect “standard” BC/BC instead of “high” option? It would save me a considerable amount of monies each month that I could apply towards my Medicare Part B premium I want to keep the “high” option for 01/2016 and 02/2016 until Medicare starts eff. 03/2016.
You are asking for an opinion, which I’m unable to give you. What I can tell you is that most BC/BS-covered retirees I’ve talked to have elected to move to (or stay in) the standard option.