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This Web site contains a compilation of more than a thousand consumer finance  columns written by Tony Novak from the 1980s through 2006, updated and reformatted for maximum usefulness today.  New material was added after 2010.

Content is the opinion of the author and does not represent the position of any other person or entity. Information is from sources believed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed.

The author is paid for product endorsements and has an ownership or other financial interest in the businesses related to the topics covered.

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Enrolling in Medicare

originally posted: 11/22/2006  reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date. If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.

Q: I was told I could enroll in Medicare at age 64 1/2 because I am a widow.

A: Most people are automatically enrolled at age 65. As a widow, your benefits might be based on those of your former spouse. If there is some reason that you would be eligible for benefits earlier (like a terminal illness) or if there is reason to believe that you are not automatically enrolled, then see http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11036.pdf and call Medicare directly. If there is some complicating issue, then it would be wise to address this at least three months prior to turning age 65

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