@slw_skater wrote:
And now a new question:
In my case, I want to start actually using Medicare on 3/1/27 rather than my company's plan after I retire, so that's why I indicated that I thought my application date would be 12/1/26 (based on the site above), with the 6-month look-back to 6/1/26.
If Medicare becomes effective 6 months before the application date, then does that mean if I apply on 3/1/27, I'm technically covered all the way back to 9/1/26 (and could go to doctors and Medicare would pay starting then)? So there's not really any reason to apply earlier? If I apply on 3/1/27 with coverage effective back to 9/1/26, then could my contribution limit would be 8 months out of 12, rather than 5 months out of 12?
Thanks again. This topic is super complicated!
That is beyond my competency. You may want to talk to some kind of elder law financial planner.
And in any case, "effective" might not be the same as "not paying". If you don't get your Medicare card until June, you might have to pay full price for procedures before that date and then get reimbursed, or you might have to work out a deal with the doctor to not pay up front because they will eventually get the money.
In other words, it may be more for convenience reasons that you want that medicare card on day 1.
But, speak to an expert. I understand the taxes (more or less) but not the rest.
