By Lon Jefferies MBA CFP® http://www.NewWorthAdvice.com

Did you know that the choices you make during your first year of Medicare eligibility will have long-term financial consequences? Yes, it is true!

And unfortunately, most people and even medical professionals have to make these decisions at a time when they are only beginning to familiarize themselves with a complex program.

The Rules

If you don’t follow Medicare’s enrollment rules, you may pay lifelong penalties for coverage. You have a seven-month window to enroll in Medicare as you turn 65. This window begins three months before the month of your birthday, includes the month of your birthday, and continues for the following three months.

The Parts

Part A

In most cases, you should sign up for Medicare Part A, which covers hospital stays, when you turn 65, even if you have other health insurance coverage. There is no cost for this coverage as long as you have 40 quarters of work in which you paid FICA taxes.

However, be aware that you are not allowed to contribute to a health savings account (HSA) if you are receiving benefits from Medicare. Thus, you may want to defer beginning Part A to continue building up your HSA balance to help offset future healthcare costs not covered by Medicare.

Part B

Medicare Part B covers services and supplies that are needed to diagnose or treat medical conditions, and health care to prevent illness. The standard monthly premium for Part B in 2013 is $104.90, but individuals with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) more than $85,000 and couples with a MAGI more than $170,000 pay more.

The premium ranges from $146.90 to $335.70 for those with incomes above the thresholds. If you have group health insurance through your own or a spouse’s employer, you may want to delay beginning Part B.

However, for this to be done without penalty, be sure to enroll in Part B coverage within eight months of the time your employment ceases. Otherwise, for every 12-month period that you could have been enrolled in Medicare Part B but were not, you will pay a 10 percent penalty on your Part B premium for life.

Part D

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. This coverage is usually purchased at the same time as Part B.  Part D monthly premiums vary by plan. However, higher-income beneficiaries (singles with a MAGI over $85,000 and couples with a MAGI over $170,000) pay from $11.60 to $66.60 more each month.

There is also a late enrollment penalty for Part D that is one percent of the “national base beneficiary premium” ($31.17 in 2013) multiplied by the number of full months you went without drug coverage.

Part C

Note that Medicare Part C is not a separate benefit. Part C, sometimes referred to as a Medicare Advantage Plan [MAP], is the portion of Medicare that allows private health insurance companies to provide Medicare benefits.

Part C is an alternative method for obtaining the same coverage that Part A and Part B provide, but do so through private insurance providers with different rules, costs and coverage restrictions. You can also get Part D as part of the benefits package if you choose. Although significant research is required, determining whether Part C is a viable option for you is simply a matter of considering your health, the medical services you use regularly, your prescription drug medications, and your budget.

Assessment

Medicare is a complex program. Enrolling on time and making informed decisions about coverage can save you thousands of dollars each year during retirement.

Conclusion

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