Page 3 - Cover Letter and Evaluation for Michael Boucher

Your Wife’s Medicare Coverage

You indicated that your wife will turn 65 on October 1. Because her birthday is on the first day
of the month, she can start her Medicare coverage on the first day of the prior month –
September 1. To enroll in Parts A&B, she can call Social Security at (800) 772-1213 anytime in
May or June (or she can enroll online at ssa.gov, as you did). Within three weeks after she
enrolls, she should receive her Medicare card in the mail, and it will show that she has Part A
and Part B, effective September 1.

If she wants to get Plan G from the same company that you got your policy from – Philadelphia
American – then you should both be entitled to a 6% household discount on your Medigap
premiums. Her premiums will be slightly lower than yours because Texas allows Medigap
policies to be gender rated, and in most cases that means that men will pay higher premiums
than women will. Her estimated premiums are shown in Appendix B, although it’s possible that
some premiums may not include commissions. And some insurers may have premium increases
before September.

To find the lowest-cost stand-alone plan for the Rx drugs she takes, she can call (800)
MEDICARE. Then she can list her drugs, dosages, and monthly quantities for the representative
that she talks to, and the rep will find the lowest-cost stand-alone plan and enroll her effective
September 1. She should probably call in July or perhaps early August.

Finally, Michael, there are a couple of things to keep in mind as you make the transition to
Medicare. On your next visits to your doctors, show the office staff your new enrollment cards.
That will help to avoid any billing confusion. And show your Part D enrollment card to your
pharmacist. Also, you’re entitled to a free “Welcome to Medicare” physical (see page 11 of the
evaluation), but you’ll probably have to request it.

Sincerely,

David Armes, CFP®

Evaluation and Appendices

WDA:102220

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