Medicare

[Guest guest]

Last year, I was classified as being disabled by social security with an effective date of May 2008. I was also told that two years from that day, I would be eligible for Medicare. I will be turning 63 just before this two year period passes. Until now, I have been carrying private insurance as I retired in late 2005. Recently, I discovered I qualify for VA benefits. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining for there are many people on this site who don't have insurance of any type and I at least have options. But this set of circumstances is creating a lot of confusion as to what I should do come May of 2010. Bruce, you stated that when you are eligible for medicare and sign up on your first opportunity then there is no exclusion for pre-existing clauses. I also have been led to

understand that once a decision is made with regard to Medicare, there is no turning back. Do you know if this "pre-existing" condition applies in a scenario like mine where I qualify for Medicare based on being disabled rather than the more typical way of reaching the age of 65? I would rather - if I am able to live to 65 - to apply for Medicare then for right now with the changes in the White House we really have no clue where we are headed with healthcare.

MIke