Question: I was working full time, but I just got laid off from my job and am overwhelmed with all that I have to change. Where do I look for insurance?

Answer: First, let me say how sorry I am for the abrupt life changes you are trying to cope with. I have talked with so many individuals over the years who have been in this situation. All of us hope to someday retire, but usually we like to control the timeline of when that happens.

When you are over 65 you are eligible for Medicare. If you haven’t signed up yet, I would recommend you contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to have your Medicare Coverage begin immediately. To contact SSA, you can either call the national number at 800-772-1213, go to their website, www.socialsecurity.gov, call the local office at 877-319-3079 or visit the local office at 321 Hazeltine Ave. Jamestown. The local office is open Monday – Friday 9am to 4pm.

You may already have Medicare Part A, but you now need Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B will cost you $164.90 each month. If you collect Social Security already, the premium will be deducted from your Social Security check. If you don’t collect Social Security, then they will bill you quarterly (every three months).

When an individual is Medicare eligible, has left their employment and lost their insurance whether by choice or a situation like yours, they have 8 months to make an insurance decision. This means they have 8 months to begin their enrollment in the coverage of their choice. I don’t recommend waiting 8 months since that means you may not have adequate insurance for those 8 months.

Once you have both Medicare A & B, you can begin to decide what type of insurance you want in addition to that basic coverage. You may be eligible for a retiree plan, which can be free to you or may cost you a premium each month. Your Human Resource department can help you through that question. If no retiree coverage is available, you should then look to the many insurance products available to you. There are over 70 products available, falling into the categories of Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Prescription Drug plans, and Medicare Advantage Plans.

There are many plans to choose from and many factors to consider. You should consider who your doctors are, and be sure they participate, what your NEW income situation will be, and what medications you take. Remember that whatever plan you choose, you can change your mind each year during open enrollment between October 15 and December 7.

If you are not eligible for Medicare, I would recommend looking to the https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ website, or a Marketplace Navigator to help you find a plan. There are many options available in this type of insurance as well and the cost structures could be lower than you think because the premiums are based on your income. Right now your income is probably less than when you were working, so that may help with reduced premiums for your health insurance.

Your income situation will probably be significantly different. You may want to begin collecting Social Security if you haven’t already started. You may have a retirement plan that could begin to fill your income gap. You may also be eligible for entitlements that are out there, that you haven’t ever thought of before now.

There is certainly a lot going through your mind right now. I recommend writing down a list to keep track of what needs to be done. Use that list for what you need to get done and take on those tasks one at a time. Also consider tackling some of those projects you just haven’t had time to do. Also acknowledge how you feel. Keeping a journal may help you get through this adjustment period.

If you decide to return to work, there are jobs out there, maybe not in your field, but this could be an opportunity to try something new. If you decide to not return to work, there are certainly many opportunities to help file your time, with family, friends and volunteering.

Janell Sluga is a Geriatric Care Manager helping seniors in our community access services and insurance. To reach her, email editorial@post-journal.com.