Turning 65 Medicare Checklist: Everything You Need to Do Before Your Birthday

Turning 65 is exciting -- and a little overwhelming when it comes to Medicare. You'll receive a flood of mail from insurance companies, and the enrollment rules can be confusing. Here's a clear, step-by-step checklist to make sure you get the right coverage without missing deadlines or paying unnecessary penalties.

☐ Understand your current coverage situation

• Are you still working and covered by an employer health plan?
• Is your employer coverage from your own current employment (not COBRA, retiree coverage, or a spouse's employer)?
• If yes, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty -- but verify this with your HR department and a Medicare specialist.

☐ Request your Social Security earnings statement Visit ssa.gov/myaccount to review your earnings history and estimated Social Security benefit. This also helps you verify you'll qualify for premium-free Part A.

☐ Make a list of all your doctors and medications You'll need this to compare Medicare plans. Include every doctor you see, every prescription you take (name, dosage, frequency), and any preferred hospitals or specialists.

☐ Enroll in Medicare Part A If you're not already receiving Social Security benefits, you need to actively enroll. Apply at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. Your Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before your birthday month.

☐ Decide whether to enroll in Part B now

• If you have no employer coverage (or have retiree/COBRA coverage): Enroll in Part B now.
• If you have active employer coverage from your current employer: You can delay Part B without penalty. Confirm with HR.

☐ Start comparing Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans Use Medicare.gov/plan-compare to see available plans in your ZIP code. Work with a licensed Medicare specialist to compare options based on your specific doctors, drugs, and health needs.

☐ Your Medicare coverage begins If you enrolled during the first 3 months of your IEP, your coverage begins the first day of your birthday month (or the first day of the prior month if your birthday is on the 1st).

☐ Enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins when you're both 65 AND enrolled in Part B. During this window, no insurer can deny you coverage or charge more based on health history. This is your best opportunity to get Medigap -- don't miss it.

☐ Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan If you're on Original Medicare + Medigap, you need a separate Part D plan for drug coverage. Compare plans at Medicare.gov/plan-compare based on your specific medications.

☐ OR enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan If you choose Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare + Medigap, most MA plans include drug coverage (MAPD). You do not need a separate Part D plan.

☐ Confirm your coverage cards arrive You should receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card, plus your Medigap/MA/Part D cards. Carry your Medicare card and supplemental coverage card with you.

☐ Notify your doctors Let your doctors know you've transitioned to Medicare. Confirm they accept Medicare assignment (for Original Medicare) or are in-network (for Medicare Advantage).

☐ Cancel your previous coverage Once Medicare is active, cancel any previous health insurance (individual market, COBRA, retiree coverage) to avoid paying duplicate premiums.

☐ Set a calendar reminder for Annual Enrollment Period AEP runs October 15 - December 7 every year. Review your coverage annually -- plans change, and your health needs change.

• Don't miss your IEP -- late enrollment in Part B triggers a permanent 10% penalty for each 12-month period of delay.
• Don't confuse COBRA with employer coverage -- COBRA does not count as qualifying coverage for delaying Part B.
• Don't skip the Medigap window -- after your 6-month open enrollment period, you may be denied or charged more based on health history.
• Don't choose a plan based on premium alone -- the lowest premium plan is rarely the best value.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.