Social Security: The best time to enroll in Medicare Part B

Social Security: The best time to enroll in Medicare Part B

Chatanooga Times, January 13th, 2010

Q: I didn't enroll in Medicare Part B back when my Part A started a few years ago. Can I enroll now?

A: Yes, but if you want to do it this year, you'll have to act soon. The general enrollment period for Medicare Part B medical insurance began Jan. 1 and runs through March 31. Keep in mind that although Part A is free, there will be a premium for your Part B. And in most cases, that premium goes up each 12-month period you were eligible for it and elected not to enroll.

To find out more about Medicare, visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov or see Social Security's online page of resources by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov and selecting the "Medicare" link.

Q: I get both Social Security and supplemental security income benefits. I recently was switched from a benefit based on my own earnings to a higher widow's benefit on my husband's work record. But then my SSI check was reduced. Why did you give me money with one hand and take it away with the other?

A: SSI is a needs-based program. In other words, the amount of your SSI is based, in part, on your income and resources. So if your income goes up and your financial need decreases, your SSI payment also will decline. When you started getting the higher widow's benefit from Social Security, your other income went up, so your SSI payment had to go down. For more information, you can visit our Web page about SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi. Or you can call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication, "Supplemental Security Income."

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