Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Medicare? Me?

Well, I've set the wheels in motion.  Called the Social Security office today and set up an appointment to apply for Medicare and Social Security.  Three months from tomorrow I'm 65.  There's apparently a rule that allows me to take my own social security for a year before I reach full retirement age (66), and then at 66 apply for my spousal benefit which will be higher.  Well it's higher anyway, but I will get the full spousal benefit by waiting a year to apply.  It's all complicated.  As is Medicare.

I finally sat down and read up on what I need to do about supplemental insurance.  It sounds like the safe way to go is something called an "Advantage" plan.  I need to wade through some literature and decide for sure and also which company's plan is best for me. 

It's a little bit of a shock--realizing I'm actually going to be in the Social Security/Medicare/retired people's demographic.  In just a few short months!  I've been talking about it for quite awhile now, but it's finally sinking in. 

But don't pigeon-hole me.  I know for sure I'm not going to be a blue-haired, lady and I'm not going to be a red hat lady.  Actually, I think I'll be pretty much who I've been all along--plain blue jeans me.  Except I won't be punching any time clock.

3 comments:

Hawk's Perspective said...

It's nice to have a friend aboard, almost.

troutbirder said...

Well. Welcome to the 47% dear friend.....:)

Bekkieann said...

Herb, it's nice to have you for a friend.

And TB, thank you, too, for being a friend these past few years.

I'm excited and fearful all at once. Thank goodness for friends to talk me down when I start getting a little too excited!