Your 64th Birthday
Check to see how your current health coverage may be affected by your Medicare eligibility.
Learn of any programs that will help you pay for Medicare Parts A and B costs.
Familiarize yourself with Original Medicare and Medicare
Advantage. It’s easy to go online and do your research.
Six months
before you turn 65
Meet with your HR department to ask about retiree benefits. If you’re not retiring at 65, you may be able to keep your employer plan.
If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213(TTY: 1-800-325-0778), 7 am to 7 pm, Monday – Friday to confirm if you are eligible for Medicare.
Review your medical history and create a profile of your expected annual health care and prescription drug needs.
Make a budget worksheet to compare your options. It’s easy to go online and do your research.
If you plan to keep your current doctor, check to see if they accept Medicare or the Medicare Advantage plan you are considering.
Three months
before you turn 65
Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B by contacting the Social Security Administration at www.socialseccurity.gov or 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Make sure you receive your Medicare card. If you have enrolled in a plan, make sure you receive your health care and/or prescription drug card.
If you are turning 65
You can sign up for Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan in the three months before your birthday month, during your birthday month, or the three months after your birthday month. This is referred to as the Initial Enrollment Period.
There are also Special Election Periods should you decide to keep working past 65. If you delay your retirement and keep your employer plan coverage, you can then qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
