| BABY 
			BOOMERS: APPLY ONLINE FOR MEDICARE 
   
			
			
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            [January 03, 2011] 
            This 
			January marks a historic moment: our Nation’s first baby boomers are 
			turning 65. 
 For many baby boomers, it’s time to hit the computer. Even if you 
			have decided to wait until after you are age 65 to apply for 
			retirement benefits, most people should start getting Medicare 
			coverage at age 65.
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            | If you would like to begin your Medicare coverage when you first 
			become eligible, it’s important that you apply within three months 
			of reaching age 65. But don’t worry about the time and effort it 
			will take to apply for Medicare — it’s fast and easy! You can do it 
			online at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly in as little as 10 
			minutes. 
 Why apply online for Medicare? Because it’s fast, easy, and secure. 
			You don’t need an appointment and you can avoid waiting in traffic 
			or in line. As long as you have ten minutes to spare, you have time 
			to complete and submit your online Medicare application.
 
 People who started receiving Social Security retirement or 
			disability benefits before age 65 do not need to apply; they will be 
			automatically enrolled in Medicare.
 
 To learn more about Medicare benefits, visit www.Medicare.gov.
 
 To learn more about Medicare and the online application, visit 
			www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly. While you’re there, take a look 
			at the Patty Duke Show reunion video as they talk about turkey, pie, 
			and Medicare online.
 
 And happy birthday to all the baby boomers turning 65 in 2011.
 By Judith Bartels
 Social Security District Manager in Springfield, IL
 
			
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