I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
Answered by 51 licensed agents
Answered by Larry Dalton on March 29, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK & TX
Once you have your card we can discuss options that will meet your needs. Thank you for contacting me.
Answered by James Carlson on March 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in MN
Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen on March 30, 2025
Agent Licensed in WI, AZ, CA & 16 other states
Answered by Bill Filer on March 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in MO, GA, KS & TN
Answered by Ray McCauley on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & ID, NV, SC & TN
You may sign up for Medicare online or by calling Social Security Administration or by setting an appointment with your local Social Security Office.
Answered by Pamela Camey on March 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL, FL, IA & 7 other states
Answered by Diane Andree on March 29, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY
Answered by Kelsey Hentzen on March 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in KS & MO
Answered by Ben Washington on March 25, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL, FL, MN, SC, TX & WI
Once you get approved for Medicare you will receive a letter in the mail as well as your Red, White and Blue card. Keep this card in a secure place and contact me to help you understand your options whether a Medicare supplement or a Medicare advantage plan is the right fit for you.
Answered by Joshua Cooper on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in GA, AL, FL & 10 other states
Answered by Patrick Bullock on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL, NJ & VA
Otherwise, if you are needing Medicare insurance benefits when you turn 65 there are a couple of things to do: Start 3 months in advance of the month you're going to need benefits to ensure that you're going to have both Part A and Part B of Medicare in place. It usually takes Social Security (SS) about 6 weeks to get your Medicare card set up and to you in time to enroll in some kind of supplementary plan.
If you are already receiving your SS benefits, then SS will automatically send you your red, white and blue Medicare card a couple of months before you turn 65. If you don't receive that card from them by 2 months in advance of the month of turning 65 call SS to get your card. You'll need your Medicare card that shows your Medicare #, your Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical) effective dates in order to enroll in some kind of supplementary insurance plan.
Remember, your Medicare card that shows Part A and Part B does not cover the required Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). You'll need to get that coverage set up with an independent agent (like me) so that it goes into effect the same time as your Part A and Part B coverage.
You'll be able to choose from a Medicare Supplement (also referred to as a "Medigap" plan) and a Part D prescription drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C of Medicare) to help cover your medical costs that are not covered by Original Medicare (Part A & B).
Lots of choices. Lots to do. You can contact me at 801-550-1800 to answer questions that will help you go through this process properly.
Answered by Jeff Christiansen on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in UT, AR, AZ & 7 other states
Next, book a meeting on my website for help applying for medicare 80%,
picking a plan 20%, and reviewing your plan every annual enrollment period.
Answered by Tom Rogala on March 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in MI, AR, AZ & 10 other states
Answered by Melissa Barton on March 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in NC, IL, IN & 7 other states
Answered by Laura Shipman on March 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in KS
As you are waiting for your Medicare #, please reach out to me so I can guide you regarding the additional coverage you will need. Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage or complete medical coverage, and there are different ways to obtain that. I will meet with you and work with you to understand your needs and guide you towards the policy that best meets those needs.
There is no cost for my services, and I am happy to help.
Answered by Marie Terhune on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in NH
Step 1: Figure Out If You Need to Sign Up
• If you’re already getting Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage). Your Medicare card should show up in the mail about three months before your birthday.
• If you aren’t getting Social Security yet, you’ll need to sign up yourself through the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Step 2: Decide If You Need Part B Right Away
• If you’re still working and have health insurance through your job (or your spouse’s job), you might be able to delay Part B without penalties.
• If you don’t have employer coverage, you should go ahead and sign up for Part B to avoid late fees.
Step 3: Look at Additional Coverage Options
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers hospital and doctor visits, but it doesn’t cover prescriptions, dental, vision, or hearing. You’ll need to decide between these two options for extra coverage:
1. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Part D (Drug Plan) – Medigap helps cover out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles, and Part D covers prescriptions.
2. Medicare Advantage (Part C) – A private insurance plan that bundles Parts A, B, and often includes drug coverage, dental, vision, and more.
Step 4: Compare Plans & Costs
• Medicare plans and prices vary depending on where you live. You can check options at www.medicare.gov.
• Or, if you want personalized help, a licensed Medicare agent (like me!) can go over your options at no cost to you.
Step 5: Enroll on Time!
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is 7 months long:
✅ 3 months before your 65th birthday
✅ Your birthday month
✅ 3 months after your birthday
If you miss your deadline and don’t qualify for a special enrollment period, you might have to pay lifelong penalti
Answered by John Swain on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA
Answered by Steve Korts on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AR, AZ, OR & TX
Answered by Joseph Barrows on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in CO, AR, AZ & 21 other states
Are you taking your Social Security benefits?
I am happy to help answer any questions you have about turning 65 and what your first steps should be regarding Medicare Enrollment. Education on Medicare is available at no cost to you.
Answered by Terrie Boteler on March 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD, DC, DE, FL, VA & WV
Answered by Tony Farmer on March 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
Answered by Angela Ellington on March 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & 9 other states
I help people understand what they need to know and streamline the process to fit your needs with simple explanations.
Also, there's no out of pocket cost for you to use the services of a broker (guide). Plan premium or plan costs are always the same, as set by law.
Next, understand this is a process and there is a direct process and "wandering through the desert" type process. Let's choose the Direct Process. That is what I can help with.
When you work with me, I personally assist through the entire process, A-Z. Just relax and follow the process. As a broker (guide) I work with many carriers/plans and you get to choose the coverage you want.
As we go through the process, you will understand the origins and fundamentals of Medicare starting from it's beginning in July, 1965 through the present. You will understand the benefits of Original Medicare, the changes or "Modernization" of Medicare, what it is, how it works, why it's an option, the pro and cons; and afterwards, you should be confident in your choices and even comfortable using your new entitlement benefits. I also assist in all applications to get your Id cards ready to go for your first day on Medicare; simple, no nonsense, A to Z.
Contact me now.
Answered by B. Gene Stair on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AR, AZ & 9 other states
Answered by Leslie Helene Sussman on March 31, 2025
Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL & PA
Answered by Sean Davis on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in NY, LA, MD & 6 other states
Answered by DeeDee Whitlock on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in LA
and Medicare Insurance (Part B}. You can sign up3 months before your birthday or 3 months after her birthday,
Answered by Aaron Solomon on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, LA & TX
Answered by Timothy Brown on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states
Secondly, you need to apply for Medicare Parts A&B immediately as it is recommended to do so at least 3 months before your 65th Bday start date. With only 1 month of time, I highly recommend signing up online through the www.SSA.gov website and look for "Apply for Medicare" to fill out the application. You can hopefully have your Medicare # online within 3-4 weeks and continue the process with your Agent's help to complete your coverage with supplemental coverages that fit your individual needs.
Answered by Brenda Trejos on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in CO, AR, AZ & 28 other states
Answered by Ami Fouts on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in NH & ME
Answered by Cleo Martin on March 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in SC, AL, FL & GA, MI, NC & TX
First, you will want to determine if going onto Medicare is your only option. There are ways that you can "waive" the lifetime penalty for waiting. If that is the case, then you would want to compare the price of your current plan VS. Medicare. Also, you would then compare the coverages.
If you are already drawing Social Security, you will be automatically signed up for Medicare. If you are NOT yet drawing Social Security, we will need to manually apply for Parts A and B. I can help you with this if needed. Please feel free to give me a call for help. Thank you! -Isaac
Answered by Isaac Lind on March 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in NE
Answered by Cody Brown on March 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in MO, AR, AZ & 5 other states
1. Understand Your Initial Enrollment Period:
* Enrollment begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after that month. This 7-month window is your primary opportunity to enroll in Medicare.
* Missing this window can lead to late enrollment penalties.
2. Determine if You'll Be Automatically Enrolled:
* If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll likely be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
* If you're not receiving Social Security, you'll need to enroll manually.
3. Learn About Medicare Parts:
* Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
* Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctors' services, outpatient care, and preventive services.
* Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private health plans that offer Medicare benefits.
* Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
4. Decide Which Coverage You Need:
* Consider your current health status and anticipated healthcare needs.
* Evaluate whether Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) is right for you.
* If you choose original medicare, you will likely need to enroll in a part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
5. * Employer Coverage: If you're still working and have employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be able to delay enrolling in Part B. However, it's essential to understand how this might.
Contact us at 859-309-5033 for help with your Medicare planning
Answered by Pete Alberti on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN & 6 other states
I have enjoyed helping my clients with this for the past 28 years.
Answered by Gary Liesemeyer on March 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in NE
If you are retiring and collecting Social Security you will need to start your part A and Part B. Once you have these, which is considered Original Medicare, you can start to choose between Part C (Medicare Advantage), or a Medigap. ‘
Answered by Harold Randolph on March 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in MI, IN, KY & OH
Answered by Steve Houchens on March 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in KY & TN
You can go in person to your local Social Security office to apply, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or thirdly, go on to the SSA.GOV website and apply online.
Answered by Doris Youngman on March 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, AL & GA
Answered by Kirk Harper on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH
Answered by Lavina Woart on March 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, DE, IA, NJ & PA
Answered by Charles Willis on March 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in IN
First thing let's get your Medicare card set up because right now it's take 2-3 weeks..
Here are a few ways:
Enroll in Medicare:
Online: Go to SSA.gov (Social Security Administration website) and apply—it’s the easiest way.
Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday-Friday, 8 AM-7 PM.
In-Person: Visit a local Social Security office (appointments recommended).
You’ll need your birth certificate, Social Security number, and proof of residency handy.
Then, Let's set an appointment.
Id like to get some info to have plan ideas set up for you, so once you have that Medicare card, we can get you enrolled and have you ready for the 1st or the Month!
By the way, This is a free service.
I just want to help make sure we find the best plan to fit your needs!
Answered by Dawn Levis on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, FL & IA, KS, SD & WA
1. Do you need Medicare right away? If you have coverage through an employer, you might not need or even want to sign-up for Medicare right away when you turn 65. You might be able to wait until you retire.
2. Do you contribute to an HSA? If you do and you want to continue contributing to the HSA, you cannot have Medicare.
3. Do you work for a small employer? If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you might need to sign up for Medicare right away, even if you plan to continue working, because for small employers, Medicare is Primary and the group health plan is Secondary.
4. If you work for a large employer with more than 20 employees, you may still want to consider which benefit is better for you - Medicare or your group health plan.
5. No matter how big your employer is, you may want to compare the benefits and premiums of Medicare vs your group health plan. It is possible that Medicare will offer beter benefits with less premium than your payroll contribution.
6. Consider your dependents. If your spouse is covered under your insurance plan at work and they are younger than you, you might want to keep your group plan so that they can keep their coverage.
There are many things to consider before signing-up for Medicare. This is why it's important to work with a Medicare Insurance Agent that you trust who will point you in the right direction. I prefer to meet with my clients when they are 64 1/2 to review all of these important details and formulate a basic plan long before they turn 65.
Answered by Barbara Barnes on April 1, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA
Answered by Sean MacBean on March 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in SC, GA, KY, NC, TX & WV
First, check if you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll likely be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
If you're not automatically enrolled, you'll need to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This period starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after.
You can enroll online through the Social Security Administration website, visit your local Social Security office, or call them directly.
It's also important to consider your current health coverage. If you're still working and have a group health plan, you might be able to delay Medicare enrollment without penalties.
Once you've enrolled, you can explore additional coverage options, such as Medicare Part D for prescription drugs, Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Remember, navigating Medicare enrollment can be complex. If you need personalized guidance, don't hesitate to reach out.
Call me directly at 407-244-6951 for a personalized consultation. I'll help you navigate the Medicare enrollment process and ensure you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.
Answered by Carmen Zorrilla on March 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, KS & 7 other states
Answered by Donna Slater on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in NM, CA, CO & TX
Answered by Tyler Henderson on March 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
Answered by Christopher Villarreal on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX
Answered by Cory St. Etienne on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, KY, LA & 5 other states
Answered by Toni Johnson on March 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, IN, MO & 5 other states
Answered by Michele Wagoner on March 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
Tags: New To Medicare Turning 65
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