I didn't sign up for Medicare Part B when I was first eligible, but now I need it. I do have Part A. Where do I go to get enrolled in Medicare Part B? I need the coverage as soon as possible.

You can sign up for Medicare Part B during the general enrollment period, which runs from Jan. 1 to March 30 of each year. You sign up for Medicare by contacting the Social Security Administration at 800- 772-1213. According to the regulations, your coverage will not begin until July 1, 2007. You will be subject to a penalty equal to 10 percent for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B but opted not to sign up for it. However, if you were covered by an employer group plan during that time period, you may not have to pay this penalty. Discuss this with Social Security when you call them.