Turning 65: Your Medicare Checklist

What Happens When You Turn 65?

Turning 65 is a major milestone for Medicare. Here's your step-by-step guide to getting Medicare and Medigap coverage.

Step 1: Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B

When to enroll: 3 months before your 65th birthday through 3 months after (7-month window)

How to Enroll

• If receiving Social Security: You're automatically enrolled
• If not: Visit ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213
• Some people enroll at their local Social Security office

Step 2: Consider Medigap During Your Open Enrollment

Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is THE BEST time to buy Medicare Supplement insurance. During this period:

• You cannot be denied coverage
• You cannot be charged more for health conditions
• You get the best rates available

Step 3: Choose Your Medigap Plan

Most new Medicare enrollees choose between:

• Plan G: Most comprehensive (you pay Part B deductible)
• Plan N: Lower premiums with small copays
• High Deductible Plan G: Lowest premiums, catastrophic coverage

Step 4: Add Prescription Drug Coverage

Enroll in Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage. You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (same 7-month window as Medicare).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period
• Waiting too long to buy Medigap (Open Enrollment is only 6 months!)
• Not comparing multiple insurance companies
• Forgetting about Part D drug coverage
• Not understanding the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap

What If You're Still Working at 65?

If you have employer coverage:

• Ask if your coverage is "creditable" (as good as Medicare)
• If company has 20+ employees, you can delay Part B without penalty
• Enroll in Part A (it's free for most people)
• Get Medigap when you retire and enroll in Part B