Turning 65? Here’s Where to Start With Medicare

Turning 65 is an exciting milestone, but Medicare can bring a lot of new questions. When should you enroll? What do Parts A and B cover? Do you need additional coverage? The good news is you don’t have to figure everything out at once. Here are the first things to know as you get started with Medicare.

Man reviewing Medicare information while preparing for Medicare enrollment

What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, as well as certain younger people who qualify because of a disability or specific health conditions.

Medicare has different parts:

Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.

Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and many preventive services.

Together, Parts A and B are often referred to as Original Medicare.

When Should I Sign Up for Medicare?

For most people who are becoming eligible for Medicare at age 65, the Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window. It begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and continues for 3 months afterward.

However, not everyone needs to enroll in Medicare as soon as they turn 65. If you or your spouse are still working and you have health coverage through a current employer, different enrollment rules may apply.

This is one reason I recommend looking at your situation a few months before your 65th birthday. Understanding your timeline early can help you avoid missed deadlines or unnecessary enrollment penalties.

What Choices Will I Need to Make?

Once you’re enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, one of the biggest decisions is how you want to receive your Medicare coverage.

Original Medicare — You can keep Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and may choose to add a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. You may also consider Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) to help with some of the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) — Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans provide your Part A and Part B benefits and usually include Part D prescription drug coverage. Plans may also offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare.

There isn’t one option that is right for everyone. Your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel habits, and personal preferences can all be important when comparing your choices.

What Should I Do Before I Turn 65?

A good time to start learning about Medicare is a few months before your 65th birthday. You don’t have to make every decision at once, but there are a few things worth thinking about:

• Know your enrollment timeline. Find out when your Initial Enrollment Period begins and whether you need to enroll at 65.

• Consider your current coverage. If you or your spouse are still working and have employer coverage, understand how that coverage works with Medicare before making changes.

• Make a list of your doctors and prescriptions. These can be important when you begin comparing your Medicare coverage options.

• Think about what matters most to you. Your budget, preferred doctors, medications, travel, and how you like to receive your healthcare can all play a role in choosing coverage.

• Ask questions early. Medicare is much easier to navigate when you have time to understand your choices instead of feeling rushed to make a decision.

You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone.

Medicare can feel like a lot when you’re first getting started, but you don’t have to become a Medicare expert to make a confident decision.

I’m Staci Hartzog, a local licensed independent insurance agent serving Putnam County and surrounding communities. I help people understand their Medicare options, answer their questions, and walk through the choices that may be available to them.

If you’re approaching 65 and aren’t sure where to begin, I’d be happy to talk with you. There’s no obligation — just an opportunity to ask questions and get the information you need to take your next step.

Have Medicare questions?

Call Staci at 904-806-9736 or request an appointment through my website.