Turning 65: How to Prepare For Medicare

When it comes to Medicare, thinking ahead prevents overwhelm and confusion. We’re here to help with a checklist of what to do when preparing to pick your Medicare plan. Keep scrolling to get answers to the questions you may have about Medicare and where to look if you get stuck.

Medicare Enrollment Fact Sheet

● You will technically become eligible for Medicare three months before you turn 65
● You will have up to three months after your 65th birthday month to enroll in Medicare.
● The Initial Enrollment Period is this 7-month time frame.

Why you should enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period

Avoid late enrollment penalties. If you enroll after the 7-month signup window, you can automatically have late enrollment penalties to your monthly premiums.

Automatic Medicare enrollment. The following scenarios may result in an automatic enrollment into a Medicare plan.
● You have been receiving Railroad Retirement Board or Social Security benefits at least four months before turning 65.
● You are under 65 with a disability and have been getting Social Security or RRB disability benefits for at least 24 months.

● You are diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
If none of these scenarios apply to you, you will have to enroll manually during your Initial Enrollment Period.

The Medicare Pre-65 Checklist: Dates You Need to Know

Six months before you turn 65
● Educate yourself on the different parts of Medicare. You can do this by going online or reaching out to an experienced insurance agency, such as Medigap Supplement Headquarters, who will answer any questions you may have. We’ll even help you through the enrollment process when the time comes.
● Check with your doctor(s) if they accept Medicare.
● Determine whether you should add on a Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part D plan along with your Original Medicare plan.
Three months before you turn 65
● Enroll in your Medicare Plan. You have entered the Initial Enrollment Period. The Initial Enrollment Period is the seven months that start three months before your birthday and extend three months after to enroll and avoid incurring late enrollment fees. Click here to learn more about the Initial Enrollment Period.
● Reach out to Medigap Supplement Headquarters to guide you through the enrollment process. We will, of course, help you through the enrollment process and answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

Need Help Preparing For Medicare?

Medigap Supplement Headquarters has you covered! Reach out to us today to learn more about what you can do to prepare for Medicare.