Turning 65? Here's Your Medicare Checklist

Turning 65 is a milestone — and for most Americans, it's also the year Medicare enters the picture. If the mail you're getting about Medicare feels like alphabet soup (Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap...), you're not alone. Here's a simple checklist to keep you on track.

1. Know your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is a 7-month window: it starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after. Missing this window can mean penalties that follow you for life, so mark your calendar early.

2. Decide: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage? Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is run by the federal government and lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurers, often bundles in extra benefits like dental and vision, but usually requires you to stay within a network.

3. Think about prescription drug coverage. If you don't enroll in a Part D drug plan (or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage) when you're first eligible, you could face a late enrollment penalty later — even if you don't take any medications right now.

4. Consider a Medigap (Supplement) policy. If you go with Original Medicare, a Medigap policy can help cover copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. These are most affordable if you enroll during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you're 65 and enrolled in Part B.

5. Check if you're still working. If you or your spouse have employer coverage, your enrollment timeline may look different. Don't assume — a quick conversation can save you from penalties or gaps in coverage.

6. Talk to someone before you decide. Medicare decisions aren't necessarily permanent, but getting it right the first time saves you time, money, and stress. I offer free, no-obligation consultations to walk through your specific situation.

Turning 65 soon? [Schedule a free call] and let's map out your timeline together.