QUESTION: My husband and I are in the first wave of Baby Boomers who will turn 62 later this year. We have decided to apply for Social Security as soon as we celebrate our respective birthdays, but we’re worried about health insurance coverage because that ends for us both when we leave our jobs later this year. Friends have told us we can get Medicare at 62 as well as Social Security. Is this correct?

Answer: Based upon our research, you and your friends are not alone in being confused about post-retirement health insurance options, including Medicare eligibility. The federally funded health insurance program is available to Americans who are 65 years of age and older, regardless of their eligibility for Social Security retirement benefits.

While you and your husband can apply for Social Security benefits at age 62 — albeit reduced benefits because full benefits for your cohorts don’t kick in until age 66 — Medicare eligibility for those of us who are not determined to be disabled doesn’t begin until we reach age 65.

In fact, according to a recent national survey of 377 Baby Boomers by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), only 36 percent of the respondents knew that Medicare eligibility begins at age 65. Twenty-one percent thought Medicare coverage began at age 62; 9 percent said age 67; 6 percent said age 59-½, and 28 percent said they were unsure.

The Kansas City-based organization of chief insurance regulatory officials in the 50 states said their survey also found:

• A large majority of Boomers — 84 percent — said access to health insurance was important when choosing a retirement date, but, paradoxically, only 43 percent said that Medicare eligibility was an important factor in determining when they would retire.

• Nearly half — 48 percent — said they expected to use Medicare coverage to cover their health-care needs during retirement. This number increased to 57 percent among older Boomers, those 55-62 years old.

“Clearly, there is much confusion among Baby Boomers regarding their future access to Medicare,” says NAIC President and Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger. “Many Boomers incorrectly think Medicare coverage is available at age 62, when they initially become available for Social Security benefits. With growing concerns about health insurance costs and access, these aging members of our society need to be better educated about Medicare’s timing and entitlement so they can make informed retirement decisions.”

We urge you and all of our readers to visit the federal government’s excellent Web site (www.medicare.gov) to learn more about Medicare rules and regulations.

NAIC also has a public education program, “Insure U — Get Smart About Insurance,” which you and our other readers should also find helpful. Among the program’s tips about health insurance and retirement:

• Plan ahead for your retirement health insurance needs.

• If you plan to retire before age 65 and are not eligible for Medicare, check to see if you’re eligible for COBRA, a federal law that typically entitles you to continue your employer’s health insurance coverage for up to 18 months.

• If you’re not eligible for COBRA, consider a catastrophic or high-deductible medical plan. Keep in mind that people with serious pre-existing health problems typically can’t get catastrophic health insurance

• Before you become eligible for Medicare, you might want to consider purchasing a major medical plan to cover doctors’ visits, drugs and hospital care.

• Take time when researching individual health insurance plans and learn what kind of policies will provide the coverage you need — then pick the one best for you. Shop around and ask a lot of questions. To avoid purchasing a fraudulent health insurance plan, call your state insurance department and find out whether the insurance agent and company are licensed in your state.

• Be wary of health discount cards. Discount cards are not insurance.

• Consider purchasing long-term care coverage, although be aware that this is not for everyone. Be wary of advertising that suggests Medicare is associated with a long-term care policy. Medicare does not endorse or sell long-term care insurance.

For more information on these and other NAIC tips on health insurance and retirement, go to www.insureUonline.org.