253-1226 Traditional employment services continue to have occasional job listings appropriate for older workers. There is a referral registry for those whose skills and interest are marketable to the individual employer and who are willing to negotiate their own working arrangements. Medicare includes hospital insurance for all enrollees and medical insurance for those who choose to pay the premium. Hospital Insurance covers the major portion of hospital costs. In some very limited circumstances, care in a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitative care at home is also covered by Medicare Hospital Insurance.
Medical insurance involves a monthly premium payment.
Medicare also offers an optional hospice benefit which reimburses for a wide range of services, not otherwise covered, for patients who have been diagnosed as having a life expectancy of six months or less. To enroll in Medicare, contact your Social Security Office 3 months prior to the time you plan to leave health insured employment at age 65 or over. There is no penalty for waiting to enroll after age 65 if you are covered by an employer's plan. However, a delay in enrollment for any other reason may subject you to higher premiums or waiting periods. These policies vary widely in benefits and in price and are frequently marketed by fairly aggressive sales tactics.