Page 21 - North Haven Magazine Issue 23 Spring 2022

Medicare Insurance Questions?

203-239-4044

FRANK LANDINO NICK CASELLA

Applying for Medicare can be a Once the forms have been submitted, we highly recommend
daunting process, especially for that you follow up with a phone call to Social Security to
any of you who have had to go be sure they have received your forms and are processing
through this during the last two them.
years. You probably wanted to pull
your hair out more than once. While this process may sound somewhat simple, it really is a
challenging maze to navigate.
While it has always been
intimidating to deal with Social Surprisingly, the process doesn’t end there! Once you are
Security, the Pandemic added successful in obtaining Medicare Parts A & B, the next step
even more layers of aggravation. would be to choose either a Medicare Supplement and
Prior to the pandemic, you could Prescription Drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan. Get
walk into your local Social Security office and actually speak ready for another roller coaster ride!
with a representative. Although Social Security offices have
recently reopened, it is still strongly encouraged to use their You can attempt to navigate this process on your own or allow
online services or call to schedule an appointment to avoid us to help you every step of the way. When doing business
long wait times. with us, there is never any cost or obligation. We have over
26 years of experience and are extremely knowledgeable of
If you are turning 65 or getting ready to retire this year and the Medicare Insurance marketplace.
need to apply for Medicare, you must be aware that time is
of the essence. In helping our clients apply for Medicare
benefits over the last couple of years, we have witnessed
numerous issues that have caused delays in processing
Medicare applications.

Here are some tips to help you through the process:
1. If you are turning 65, you can and should begin the
process at least 3 months ahead of your birth month. If
your group health coverage will continue beyond your
65th birthday, you can apply for Medicare Part A only,
providing your group plan is not an HSA type plan.
You cannot participate in both an HSA type plan and
Medicare. It is either one or the other. If your group
health coverage is ending, you will have to apply for
Medicare Part A and B.
2. If you are over 65, are considering retirement and will
lose group health coverage, you will need to apply for
Medicare Part B at least two months ahead of time. Call Us Today
together by mail, fax, in-person by appointment, or walk- 203-239-4044
However, for this process, you will need to complete an
enrollment form and your employer must complete an
Employer Part B form. These forms must be submitted
in (and chance waiting in a very long line). Our preferred
method is Fax.
We make Medicare

Insurance Simple!

Health Insurance Associates, LLP • 250 State St. • North Haven