This Web site contains a compilation of more than a thousand consumer finance
columns written by Tony Novak from the 1980s through 2006, updated and reformatted for
maximum usefulness today. New material was added after
2010.
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Enrolling in Medicare
originally posted: 11/22/2006
reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not
been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date.
If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by
email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.
Q: I was told I could enroll in
Medicare at age 64 1/2 because I am a widow.
A: Most people are automatically
enrolled at age 65. As a widow, your benefits might be based on those
of your former spouse. If there is some reason that you would be
eligible for benefits earlier (like a terminal illness) or if there is
reason to believe that you are not automatically enrolled, then see
http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11036.pdf and call
Medicare directly. If there is some complicating issue, then it would
be wise to address this at least three months prior to turning age 65
Summary
More resources:
Pre-retirement planning through OnlineAdviser
