AboutMerry Schiff Expertise I am very familar with Medicare and general insurance questions. I can answer general questions about HMO's.
Experience I have been in the medical billing industry for 50 years. I have helped develop software for this industry. I am a consultant to billers and the medical profession.
Organizations I am the Executive Director of NEBA, a medical billing organization with nearly 1000 members.
Education/Credentials I have been teaching medical billing for many years as well as being a published author with Pearson Education. One book on medical billing (nearly 800 pages) and one on HIPAA.
Question Hello,
I am 59 and retired two years ago. I will receive my health benefits until I am age 62. Upon age 62 I can purchase my current health insurance at 50% of the premium.
Which I think is a good deal? I don't really want to go on Medicare. However, I received a letter saying that if I was eligible for medicare that I would have to apply for it.
If I apply for it, won't they deduct a certain amount from my social security check each month to pay for it? So if I keep my present private insurance I will pay about 350 dollars a month for coverage and now they are telling me I have to apply for Medicare too and that will be another payment also? Which is the best way for me to go? I like my private health insurance and have never had any problems with it. Should I cancel my private insurance when it expires in a couple of years and go on medicare and pay the 100 dollars or so premium or keep my own insurance.
Answer All of this depends on the amount of employees at your company (Really!!) and please do not confuse Medicare with Social Security. You cannot get Medicare until you are 65.
How many employees where you work? You have a number of years before you get Medicare and things will change for sure by then.
