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Medicare Resource Websites

Below are some helpful resource websites centered around common Medicare topics. 

Senior Businesswoman

SSA

Social Security Administration

Happy Senior Couple

Medicare

Medicare.gov

Senior Therapy

Medicaid

Arkansas Medicaid

How do I enroll in Medicare Part B?

Click on the picture link above for Social Security Administration and follow these steps: 

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  • Click "sign up for Medicare"

  • Click the "get started" button for Medicare Part B only

  • Click the button "start application" (You will be rerouted to a new page)

  • Click the check box at the bottom to agree to the statement and click the "start application" button

  • Follow the prompts in the application and enter your personal information requested

  • Secure your identity

  • Create a password (DO NOT LOSE YOUR LOG IN AND PASSWORD INFORMATION)

  • Agree to terms

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Medicare Hotline Phone Number:

1-800-Medicare

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Social Security Hotline Phone Number:

1-800-772-1213

Educational Videos

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When should you collect Social Security?
By Darian Anderson from the 2024 BeaconSeniorNews.com

Understanding the circumstances of when to start collecting Social Security is a strategic decision that can significantly shape your financial future. The timing of when you initiate benefits impacts the total amount you receive, which could mean the difference of thousands of dollars over time. Consequently, it's important to assess and determine the best age to start collecting Social Security benefits based on your unique financial situation.

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Here are the critical ages on the Social Security benefits timeline to help guide you in understanding when you can collect and how your decision may impact your financial future. 

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Before Age 62 

Ages 0 to 18 years, or up to age 19 - A child may receive benefits on a retired parents record or through survivor benefits for a deceased parent up to age 18, or possibly until age 19 if they're still a high school student. 

Children with disabilities - Children up to age 18 or older can receive Social Security benefits if they develop a disability before age 22.

Ages 25 to 60 - Review your Social Security statement yearly and check for accuracy. If you require a current benefits statement, contact your financial professional or order it directly from SSA.gov.

Age 62 - You can start taking your Social Security retirement benefit from age 62 until age 70. However, the longer you postpone claiming Social Security retirement benefits, the higher you monthly benefit will be.  While it's possible to claim benefits a few years before reaching full retirement age, it's important to note that you monthly benefit amount may be reduced. for this reason, calculating your benefit at your full retirement age - when you're eligible for 100% of your earned benefit amount - is crucial for making an informed decision about when to start receiving benefits.

Age 62 - Social Security survivor benefits are available for spouses.

Age 62 - Divorced spouse benefits: Your divorced spouse may be eligible to receive benefits on your Social Security record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Your divorced spouse must be 62 or older and unmarried. Additionally, your former spouse can potentially receive benefits years old and have been divorced for a minimum of two years to qualify. 

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DECIDING WHEN TO START RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS CAN BE CONFUSING, AND YOUR DECISION CAN MEAN A DIFFERENCE IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EACH YEAR.

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Age 65 and born in 1937 or earlier - youve reached full retirement age and are eligible for your full Social Security retirement benefit amount. 

Age 66 - If born between 1938 and 1954, youve reached your full retirement age and are eligible for your full Social Security retirement benefit.

Age 66 - If you were born between 1955 and 1959, your full retirement age gradually increases based on the following schedule until age 67:

  • 1955 - Full retirement age 66 and 2 months

  • 1956 - Full retirement age 66 and 4 months

  • 1957 - Full retirement age 66 and 6 months

  • 1958 - Full retirement age 66 and 8 months

  • 1959 - Full retirement age 66 and 10 months

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FOR THOSE BORN IN 1960 OR LATER

Age 67 - You've reached your full retirement age. Delaying your benefits may provide you with a higher benefit amount.

Age 68 - Your monthly benefit amount increases based on the Social Security monthly benefit tables and your earnings credits. 

Age 69 - Your monthly benefit amount increases based on the Social Security monthly benefit tables and your earnings credits.

Age 70 - Youve reached the age where your monthly benefit will no longer increase if you continue working.

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Other notable Social Security nuances to be aware of:

  • Not waiting until full retirement age to take benefits may mean up to 30% less each month for some individuals.

  • Once you start Social Security benefits, your decision cant be reversed to wait until a later age.

  • The cost of Medicare is deducted from your monthly Social Security benefit amount.

  • Deciding when to start receiving Social Security benefits can be confusing, and your decision can mean a difference in thousands of dollars each year. A financial professional can help you understand how taking benefits at each of these milestone ages may impact your situation.

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