Social Security

[lak99]

Are any of you on Social Security? I will be on it in 2 months.
If so, do you have any trouble with medical care when you travel?

Leslie

[dayspring39]

I have been on Social Security for 10 years on Medi-care and supplemental insurance for 7 years... I always call to see if they take Humana Ins before I go... when I went to Urgent Care last week their charge for co pay was $30 and the drug store took my insurance however there was a co pay for that also... I had to go to the doctor while I was in Dothan AL last year and there was no problem... all in all you will be fine...
Kathleen

[Redwahine]

Not yet. Tuesday I will be official age to get my SS and my Golden Passport from the USGS (form filled out, check signed & in envelope to mail on Tuesday!). Yeah

[mitch5252]

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I turned this month and will receive my very first Social Security payment in August!! (Widow's benefits kick in at 60, which I never knew.) But I am not old enough yet for Medicare. I guess that's a good thing because I have free medical and dental from George's former employer, the old Bell Telephone system (I think my benefits now come from AT&T, but who can keep track of all those constant changes...)

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[Redetotry]

..

I turned this month and will receive my very first Social Security payment in August!! (Widow's benefits kick in at 60, which I never knew.) But I am not old enough yet for Medicare. I guess that's a good thing because I have free medical and dental from George's former employer, the old Bell Telephone system (I think my benefits now come from AT&T, but who can keep track of all those constant changes...)

..

Yikes, did we miss your birthday Mitch or was it just me, anyway, Happy Belated Birthday!!

[VickieP]

Yikes, did we miss your birthday Mitch or was it just me, anyway, Happy Belated Birthday!!

She threatens me if I post anything on the forum about her birthday, actually it's a mutual thing.

[mitch5252]

I don't do birthdays (except this one, cuz it's getting me cash...).

We'll just stick to the subject line. No one missed my birthday.

[oregonrambler1]

I'm counting down the months for my first SS deposit (yup, I've been loaning the government money for many years). March 2013 will be my first payback. And, as I am one of millions not covered by any group insurance and cannot afford personal medical coverage, I'm counting down the years, not getting any major medical tests done (ala "pre-existing condition") and praying I stay healthy till 65! That alone is unnerving. Good for you at reaching this milestone!

Now, as for medical attention, my SO is on medicare (no supplemental) and she has done well getting medical attention as needed on our trips. Luckily nothing major has come up, she is pretty healthy for her age and as long as her diabetes is controlled and she doesn't try to do something dumb (like climb a tree) she's good. All we can do is do our best!

[Redwahine]

Mitch.....I knew you might be a Leo like moi.

[JudyJB]

The only thing is that you need to do is be careful when you select a Medicare supplement. Most Medicare supplements replace Medicare and are limited to a specific area. Medicare supplement policies are more like HMOs, and are limited to a specific area, so you do not want one of these.

I selected, instead, a Medi-Gap policy, which is privately sold but does NOT replace Medicare!! It also should be good anywhwere. Make sure you ask. I got mine through AARP/United Healthcare. Ditto for my prescription coverage whcih is government subsidized, but good anywhere.

I have been on both for only 6 weeks, but have used it only once. My only problem is that I have had problems getting Medicare to understand that I am no longer under my old employer's coverage. Hopefully, this has been solved.

[Bethers]

Jean (Sparkle) was on SS and medicare when cancer struck. She saw docs in two cities in AZ, in TN and finally in AL - several of them, a few hospitals involved, one clinic, etc and had no problem. She didn't have any supplemental coverage and in some ways that worked out to her advantage. Will make me think long and hard when my turn comes.

Mitch, you bad, bad girl. You love to tell others happy birthday, but don't want us to wish you one? Thinking on this, Sparkle hated the birthday threads. She didn't want one for her and didn't want to feel obligated to wish everyone else one and then feel guilty if she missed one. I've been thinking about her this week. She sure would have loved it up here. OK, so I'm so far off subject.

I think I'm saying to the original poster, you shouldn't have any trouble. But, yes, make sure you get supplemental coverage that you won't have trouble with, either.

[Dawn309]

I cannot wait till I turn 60 (never thought I would say that! ) and my widow's benefits kick in. Just have a year and 8 months to go, if I am counting right. I don't have medical insurance either, so will be glad when I turn 62 or 65. Not sure if you are eligible for Medicare at 62 or 65. In the meantime, I will try very hard to stay healthy.

Happy belated Birthday Mitch!! Too bad, the secret's out now!

[Sandersmr]

Dawn - Medicare is 65.

[Dawn309]

Thanks Maggie. Wasn't sure since Chuck was on Disability and at 65, it just automatically changed over. He had Medicare on Disability too.

[Travelinana]

I'm another Leo and the 25th is the day. I had just turned 62 when I was divorced 6 years ago so I'm telling my age..no matter, it happens whether I tell it or not...you are free to tell me I don't look it if you want to I didn't start drawing until the next year. My check didn't even cover my health ins premiums which were $1300 per month so I was out almost $50,000 until I turned 65 and could get Medicare. I knew if my back required anymore surgery (tho I swore I would never do it again) or my cancer recurred it could devastate me financially I was advised by my agent with Reserve National (which I have home health, dental and eye with) to go with Humana for supplemental and prescription. The reason being they didn't penalize as much as AARP for living in a high percentage senior population locale. I still budget $400 dollars per month for the premiums and what ins doesn't cover. We roll the dice until they the end it seems