Figuring out Medicare - When you or a family member turns 65

There are some great resources on the Internet that will help you figure out Medicare when it is your turn to sign up or, when you are helping family members.

Here are some important things to know:
- If you are on Social Security, you will automatically be signed up for Medicare parts A&B
- You are charged for Medicare part B (outpatient and physician insurance)  but not for Medicare part A (hospital insurance)
- Medicare does not cover everything. That is why many people sign up for a supplement or an all-inclusive HMO type plan
- Part D is prescription drug coverage. You'll need to sign up for that.

Here are some good online resources:

From United Healthcare (provider of insurance for AARP products)

Medicare Made Clear: Answer Guide http://www.medicaremadeclear.com/Downloads/Guides/MedicareMadeClearAnswerGuide.pdf
This introduction to Medicare helps you understand the basics and get some quick answers.
Medicare Made Clear: Show Me Guide

http://www.medicaremadeclear.com/Downloads/Guides/MedicareMadeClearShowMeGuide.pdf
Read in-depth details and see real-world scenarios to help choose the plan that is right for you. This guide shows the various ways you can get Medicare coverage with examples to help you figure out what types of plan(s) may be best for you.

From About.com Senior Health
Understanding Medicare Part D - The Prescription Plan

From the US Government
Pamphlet: Medicare and You