Transitioning from the ACA to Medicare is Fraught with Problems

Medicare, the federal health insurance plan for people 65 and over and those with certain disabilities, has made an enormous difference in the healthcare of an entire generation of Americans.

If you qualify for Social Security either because you made FICA contributions while you were working or you’re married to someone who did, you automatically qualify for Medicare. And even if you weren’t part of the Social Security system, you may be eligible to purchase Medicare coverage for a monthly fee.

If you’re collecting Social Security benefits, you’re automatically enrolled
in Medicare Parts A and B, though you have a choice of whether to keep Part B. If you enroll for Medicare before you apply for Social Security benefits, you must decide whether to sign up for Part B.

The second round of choices may be more complicated. Provided you’ve taken Part B coverage, you may be able to choose how you want to receive Medicare services, through Original Medicare or what is known as Medicare Advantage. Many seniors also purchase Medigap polices to cover what Part B doesn’t.

If you’re collecting Social Security benefits, you’re automatically enrolled
in Medicare Parts A and B, though you have a choice of whether to keep Part B. If you enroll for Medicare before you apply for Social Security benefits, you must decide whether to sign up for Part B.

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