Turning 65 Checklist
6 Months before you turn 65:
Some people get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Doctors and outpatient) automatically while others must sign up for it. In most cases, it depends on whether you are getting Social Security benefits. If you are receiving Social Security benefits for at least 4 months before you turn 65, you will automatically get it. If not, you’ll need to sign up for it with Social Security.
Part A & Part B will be effective the first day of the month of your 65th birthday with one exception. If your birthday falls on the 1st day of the month then your coverage is effective on the 1st day of the prior month.
Open all mail from Social Security as they will send your Medicare Card in the mail approximately 100 days before your 65th birthday and the envelope that contains looks like all the other mail you will receive from Social Security.
Schedule an appointment with your local Medicare Insurance Agent. Your agent will help guide you in determining the best option for your lifestyle and help you understand the next steps. Schedule your appointment today.
3 Months before you turn 65:
By this time, you should have already received your Medicare Card (Red, White, and Blue Card). If not, you can go on SS.gov and request another card. Write down your Medicare number and coverage date.
Finalize your choice of additional Medicare insurance coverage.
Schedule your enrollment appointment with your Medicare Agent. Your Agent will analyze your choice of plan types and ensure that your doctors, medications, and other important benefits are covered.
Your 65th Birthday Month:
Your Original Medicare Part A and Part B should be effective on the 1st of the month as well as the plan you choose from your Medical Coverage.
3 months after you turn 65
If you did none of the previous recommendations you did not sign up for Medicare and/or a Medicare Plan your deadline to do so is the end of the 3rd month after your birthday. Schedule an appointment with your Medicare agent today!
