Thought I would post a couple of questions here about retirement. My mom is turning 70 and has decided to retire. She approached her HR department and they just handed her a health insurance "packet". I have read thru it but it seems geared towards a younger retiree as far as the scenarios they show. Seems they would have a representative to work with since it is a large Suburban School district. Anyone have suggestion where to start? I am thinking Medicare and a stop gap plan on top and just "punt" the options offered thru her current employer.
Retirement questions?
- Thread starter ohmyback
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300UGUY
Super Member
1st, take her down to the local SS office. Make a appointment, obviously. They are very helpful. If she is a union member, there should be a benefit rep. Or HR at work. I wouldn't punt anything. Somethings cannot be undone...
Streetcar
Veteran Member
I second taking her down to SS office. There can be lost money or penalties for not signing up correctly.
Is she married or eligible for spousal benefits. This can change things.
Currently in Medicare open enrollment season. You can see options at Medicare.gov
Is she married or eligible for spousal benefits. This can change things.
Currently in Medicare open enrollment season. You can see options at Medicare.gov
Last edited:
Fossil Farm
Platinum Member
If she is a school employee, they may not have paid into Medicare. Depends on the state and other things. In Ohio, most of the PERS, STRS, SERS, etc. employees did not pay into Medicare. Only if they had employment before or after working as a "state" employee do they qualify for Medicare or Social Security. Look at a pay stub to see if the Medicare tax was taken out. There should be school employee representatives to talk to about her situation. At least there is in Ohio.
smstonypoint
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I agree. She shouldn't punt. You need to check on the provisions and premiums for supplemental Medicare coverage through her current employer. I suspect, but do not know, that obtaining retiree group coverage through her current employer will be a better deal than what she can obtain as an individual.
She might want to talk to others who have retired from the school district -- she can benefit from their experience.
Steve
Thanks everyone for the information. You have given me some things to check into. Her appointment with SS is next month so we wont make any decisions before then. She works in the cafeteria part time so I do not know what she paid & didn't pay.
Streetcar
Veteran Member
Government employees have paid into Medicare for a long time, at least since 2000. If there is pension they may not pay into SS.
For low pay occupations , spousal benefits can be the highest draw through SS.
dmccarty
Super Star Member
Talk to as many people as you can about her retirement and health care. If VA is in the mix, do not forget them either.
As people have said, some of these choices you cannot undo so they have to be done correctly as best you can. Investigate as many benefits as she might be eligible and sign up. My grandfather was a WWII veteran and there was a benefit he had earned, but which he did not think he needed, so he did not sign up. Eventually, a deadline was set for applications and any application after that date would be denied irregardless of eligibility. He eventually DID need that benefit he had earned but he was too late to sign up.
Later,
Dan
As people have said, some of these choices you cannot undo so they have to be done correctly as best you can. Investigate as many benefits as she might be eligible and sign up. My grandfather was a WWII veteran and there was a benefit he had earned, but which he did not think he needed, so he did not sign up. Eventually, a deadline was set for applications and any application after that date would be denied irregardless of eligibility. He eventually DID need that benefit he had earned but he was too late to sign up.
Later,
Dan
2LaneCruzer
Super Member
When I retired from the state, there were several seminars a year for those contemplating retiring. I strongly suggest that you check and see if there are similar programs available to your mother. I agree that a trip to the SS office will be beneficial. Retirement is wonderful, but the pay sucks.
