Damn! Had no idea. Now I've got a whole new reason to dread turning 65. A few years away, but still.
Research as much as you can about every government program from Social Security to Medicare to IRS to everything governmental. And then try to find an expert who knows every issue you need to know that you don't even know exists.
My experience was that Social Security staff at the Bellingham, WA office were friendly, helpful, courteous and gave me WRONG information EVERY time I went in over an 18 month period leading up to me taking Social Security. One of them actively misled me which costs me in the form of a lower check each month for the rest of my life. No whining here and I am glad to be getting anything, but don't trust anything officials tell you without double and triple checking.
We have the best insurance/Medicare expert we have found, way more knowledgeagle than any other agent we have talked with including the ones who hung out their shingles as expert advisors on Medicare.
