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 will be added beginning in late
2010.
Content is the opinion of the author and does not represent the
position of any other person or entity. Information is from sources believed to
be reliable but cannot be guaranteed.
The author is paid for product endorsements and has an ownership or
other financial interest in the businesses related to the topics
covered.
Freedom Benefits Insurance Exchange
- your source of valuable information on state and federal health reform
benefits.
Core Health Plus
- America's favorite mini-med insurance with affordable premiums, freedom
to choose providers, optional PPO discounts and guaranteed eligibility
regardless of medical conditions.
Please support the Web sites that make publication of AskTony
services possible.
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reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date.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