I'm Turning 65 – What Do I Do?
Turning 65 is a major milestone, not just because it’s your birthday, but because you’re now eligible for Medicare! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, don’t worry—we’re here to walk you through every step. Whether you have a few questions or need full support, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll break down what you need to do to enroll in Medicare and make sure you get the coverage that fits your needs.
You can skip all this reading and give us a call at 281-466-995 or schedule an appointment here and we’ll do it all for you! We make it Easy!
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65, but there are other ways to qualify:
Before 65: If you have a qualifying disability or medical condition (like ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease).
After 65: If you delayed Medicare because you stayed on an employer health plan.
Step 2: Understand the Parts of Medicare
Medicare can seem complicated, but breaking it down makes it easier:
Part A: Covers hospital stays, inpatient care, hospice, and skilled nursing.
Part B: Covers doctor visits, tests, and outpatient services.
Part C (Medicare Advantage): Combines Parts A and B into one plan offered by private companies, often with prescription drug coverage.
Part D: Covers prescription drugs and can be a stand-alone plan or included in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Step 3: Choose the Right Plan
You’ll need to decide whether Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) is right for you. You might also want to consider a Medigap plan to help cover out-of-pocket costs with Original Medicare. The right plan will depend on factors like:
Your doctor’s network
Prescription drug needs
Out-of-pocket expenses
Step 4: Enroll During the Initial Enrollment Period
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and extends three months after. It’s important to enroll during this window to avoid penalties or gaps in coverage. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, enrollment in Medicare is automatic, and your Medicare card will arrive in the mail.
If you’re not receiving benefits, you’ll need to enroll yourself:
Online through the Social Security website
By phone at 1-800-772-1213
In person at your local Social Security office
What Happens If You Miss the Enrollment Window?
Missing your initial enrollment period could result in late enrollment penalties, so it’s important to act on time. If you continued working and had employer coverage past age 65, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to avoid penalties.
Don’t Let Medicare Overwhelm You
We’ve seen many people feel overwhelmed by the mail and commercials that come with turning 65. But don’t worry! With our help, you can avoid the confusion and focus on getting the coverage you need. Whether you’re still sorting through mail or trying to figure out what each plan means, we make the process easy.
Call Us Today – We're Here to Help!
If you’re turning 65 and wondering what to do, we’re here to help every step of the way. From comparing plans to enrolling on time, we can guide you through the process so you can focus on enjoying your new Medicare benefits. Call us today at 281-466-9985 and let us help you make the right choice for your healthcare needs!
