Turning 65 This Year? A Medicare Checklist for New Beneficiaries
Turning 65 is a major milestone, and it comes with important decisions about your healthcare. If you’re approaching this birthday, it’s time to start planning for Medicare to ensure you have the coverage you need when you need it.
There are deadlines to watch, options to weigh, and benefits you won’t want to miss. The good news is, a little preparation now can save you time, money, and stress later on.
Enrolling in Medicare can feel overwhelming at first, and that’s why we’ve created this simple, step-by-step checklist to help you understand your options, avoid common pitfalls, and make confident choices about your health coverage. Let’s walk through the essential steps to get Medicare-ready!
🗓️ Medicare Enrollment Timeline
You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to sign up for Medicare. Enroll early to avoid gaps in coverage or late penalties.
Starts: 3 months before your 65th birthday month
Includes: The month of your birthday
Ends: 3 months after your birthday month
✅ Your Medicare Checklist: Step-by-Step
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Parts of Medicare
Part A (Hospital Insurance) – Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health.
Part B (Medical Insurance) – Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and more.
Part C (Medicare Advantage) – Offered by private companies; includes Parts A & B and often drug, dental, vision, and wellness extras.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) – Helps pay for medications; plans vary in cost and coverage. 📌 Tip: Even if you don’t take prescriptions now, enrolling in Part D on time can help avoid penalties later.
Further Reading: Six Medicare Gaps and How to Fill Them.
2. Decide How You Want to Receive Your Medicare Coverage
Choose between:
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) + Part D coverage + Medigap (for extra coverage)
Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) – All-in-one coverage, often with extra benefits
Truman’s Tip
Consult with a local broker who can assist you with navigating the Medicare process at NO CHARGE! If you’re in Blair County, PA or the surrounding region, contact Tara today!
3. Check Your Current Coverage
Still working at 65? Talk to your HR department about how Medicare works with your employer health plan to determine if you need to enroll in Medicare or if you have the option to delay it until retirement. Check out our helpful blog Working Past 65? Five Costly Mistakes Beneficiaries Make for more info on this!
Retiring? Be sure to enroll before your employer insurance ends to avoid a lapse in coverage.
4. Gather Your Documents
Before enrolling, have:
Your Social Security number
Proof of citizenship or legal residency
Your current health insurance information (if any)
List of current medications and preferred doctors or hospitals
5. Apply for Medicare
If you’ve collected Social Security benefits for 4+ months, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Otherwise, you will need to self-enroll. You can enroll by:
Visiting the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov)
Calling your local Social Security office
6. Compare Plans & Enroll
Use Medicare.gov or work with a local Medicare broker (We HIGHLY recommend this - here’s 10 reasons why!) to:
Explore plan options and compare costs
See if your doctors are in-network with the plans you are considering
Make sure your medications are covered on the plan’s formulary
7. Mark Your Calendar for Annual Enrollment
Once you're enrolled, you can make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7 each year.
🧭 Need Help Navigating It All?
Understanding your Medicare options can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! As a local Medicare broker, I offer free, personalized help to guide you through your choices and find the plan that fits your life, health needs, and budget.
👉 Let’s connect and make sure you’re set up for this exciting next stage with peace of mind and the right coverage!
Care Compass is an independent insurance agency that helps seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare and other Senior Products. Our goal is to empower Medicare-eligible individuals to make educated and informed decisions about their healthcare. Our services are offered at NO COST to you. Care Compass is proudly owned and operated in Duncansville, Pennsylvania and we serve the residents of Blair County and the surrounding region. If you need Medicare assistance near Altoona, PA, contact us today!
