you don't have to sign up for medicare part b but you'll be missing important medical coverage if you don't. part b helps pay for outpatient services such as doctor visits. also if you don't sign up when you're first eligible and decide to do so at a later time you'll pay a penalty that will stick with you for life. if you can't afford coverage you should contact someone who can help you apply for a program that will cover those costs if you qualify. visit the medicare. gov medicare helpful contacts page or call 1-800-medicare (1-800-633-4227) for personalized help.
i will be turning 65 in december. . upon applying for medicare i received a notice that i'll be billed for part b at $104/month each quarter. is this mandatory? what if i don't have the funds to pay for this? (i have not had a full-time job since 2008. ) is medicare all that i need to fulfill the insurance requirement?