Man did I screw up re SS. I just retired and applied for my->
SSI benefits and Medicare. I got it with one HUGE exception.
When I turned 65, I emailed them and was told that the ONE time NOT to apply for Medicare was if you had company insurance with a Health Savings Account (HSA). That was me, so i did not apply. Fast forward to now. My record shows that I have Part A, and my Part B will BEGIN on July 1.2022 (with a penalty for late filing). There are forms to get a Special Enrollment and an Employer form verifying you were under their plan..OK, so I FAX those forms to my local office (per website instructions), and even mailed them registered mail...I have NO idea if they got the forms, or what the status is.
Naturally (FREAKING COVID) their offices are only open by appointment. The only way to get an appointment is by phone...I have been trying for 2 weeks to speak to a human. They won't even let me stay on hold. After 20 minutes, you get a recording to please call back later, then click!
Wait until July 1? Well, the penalty isn't so bad, BUT I am paying an extra $1000/month for COBRA for me (my wife is another $850). I can keep her on it when I get Medicare. I stand to be out of pocket $5K if I can't get this worked out...I have already spent hours doing something that you COULD walk in, wait, and do on the spot..except that you CAN'T.
I think I am just out $5K. I really can't go 5 months taking a chance on no insurance, and I can't get anyone on the phone to even get a damned appointment!
I am out of ideas..anyone have to deal with this (and do so successfully?).
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Posted: 02/10/2022 at 11:22AM