Turning 65 is not just a birthday. It is the start of a series of Medicare deadlines that, if missed, can cost you money for the rest of your life. The good news: with a simple month-by-month plan, you can avoid every penalty, keep your doctors, and land in the right plan without the stress.
1
6 months before
Research your options
- Learn the four parts of Medicare: A, B, C, and D
- Understand the difference between Advantage and Medigap
- Start gathering your doctors, specialists, and medication list
- Determine if your employer coverage continues past 65
2
3 months before
Apply for Medicare
- Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B (if not automatic)
- Decide whether to keep employer coverage or switch to Medicare
- If switching, choose a Medigap plan during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period
- Select a Part D drug plan or confirm your Advantage plan includes drug coverage
3
1 month before
Confirm enrollment
- Verify your Medicare card arrives with the correct effective date
- Confirm your chosen plan is active and your premium is set up
- Schedule any preventive screenings covered under Medicare
- Contact your doctors to confirm they accept Medicare or your new plan
4
After your birthday
Stay on track
- Review your Annual Notice of Change letter every fall
- Mark October 15 to December 7 on your calendar: Annual Enrollment Period
- Keep your medication list updated for annual plan reviews
- Call us with any questions — we are here all year, not just at enrollment
The one thing to never skip
Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7-month window around your 65th birthday — 3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after. If you miss it, you may face a lifetime late enrollment penalty on your Part B premium of 10% for every 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll. That penalty never goes away.
Turning 65 soon? We make it simple.
A free review walks through every deadline, every option, and every number. Nothing slips.