I'm retired and have been told that I'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare after two years of disability.  Well, 24 months will be up in July of this year and I'll be 63.
  Various friends have told me I "must" accept this fact and get used to $96 being deducted from my disability check, i.e., I have no choice because I will have to pay a penalty if I "don't" take it.

WRONG!!!!!

  I can turn down OR cancel the coverage in July and wait until '08 to start Medicare.  There "may" be a penalty if I wait.  BUT--get this--IF I play my cards correctly and qualify for Medicare exemptions (and I do), there will be no penalty when I finally enroll in the Plan at age 65.
  Make sure--if you fall into this category--that you first do your research online at http://www.va.gov/health  and ask pertinent questions AFTER you have read the frequently asked questions (FAQ).  If you cannot find an answer to your specific question(s), send an email (Contact Us) and ask your questions.  It takes anywhere between a few minutes to 48 hours for them to respond to you.
  Meanwhile, talk to friends who are in the same situation or have already started Medicare earlier than the "expected" retirement day.  Then, with all the notes and paperwork you have gathered, call your local Social Security office and see if a counselor can answer your question over the phone or in person after you've made an appointment for a face-to-face interview.

  I've found that both SSA and Medicare are more than happy to answer your questions; they can be trusted to give you an answer even if you talk with several people and get different answers to your question(s).  Take heart and don't be afraid to ask questions.  Want to know why?  They willingly give you information with asking for your SS Number, especially in emails back and forth to them.

  The entire process made me feel very good.  I think you will also.

(c) George E Thompson