Turning 65 brings a new set of decisions. Most people become eligible for Medicare at 65. The rules for signing up are not always obvious, and a few choices are hard to undo later. This page walks through the basics so you know what to expect.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 60 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Boyer Insurance Services is a licensed, independent insurance agency. We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the federal Medicare program.
When You Become Eligible
Most people qualify for Medicare at age 65 if they are U.S. citizens or have been legal permanent residents for at least five years. Some people qualify earlier because of a disability or certain medical conditions.
Part A is premium-free for most people. You generally qualify for premium-free Part A if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for about 10 years (40 quarters). Part B has a monthly premium, which is set each year.
Your Initial Enrollment Period
Your first chance to sign up is your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts seven months:
- the three months before the month you turn 65,
- the month you turn 65, and
- the three months after the month you turn 65.
If you sign up during the three months before your birthday month, coverage usually starts on the first day of your birthday month. If you sign up later in the window, coverage generally starts the first day of the month after you sign up.
Will You Be Enrolled Automatically?
If you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you are usually enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. Your Medicare card typically arrives in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday.
If you are not yet collecting Social Security, you will usually need to sign up yourself. You can apply online at the Social Security website, by phone or at a local Social Security office.
If You Are Still Working
Many people keep working past 65. Depending on the size of your employer and the coverage you have, it may make sense to delay Part B. It may not. Read our guide to Medicare and employer coverage before you decide.
Understand the Late Enrollment Penalties
- Part B: if you do not sign up when first eligible and do not have qualifying coverage from current employment, your premium can go up 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B. In most cases you pay this for as long as you have Part B.
- Part D: if you go 63 days or more in a row without Part D or other creditable drug coverage, a penalty may be added to your drug premium.
- Medigap: outside certain protected windows, insurance companies may be able to ask health questions before selling you a Medicare Supplement.
The Next Decision: How You Want to Receive Your Benefits
Once Parts A and B are in place, most people choose one of two paths:
- Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and a Part D drug plan, or
- a Medicare Advantage plan, which usually includes drug coverage.
A Simple Turning-65 Checklist
- Note the dates of your Initial Enrollment Period.
- Find out whether you will be enrolled automatically.
- If you have employer coverage, confirm how it works with Medicare.
- List your doctors and your prescriptions.
- Learn the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage.
- Review your options before your coverage start date.
Talk With Us About Your Situation
Reading about turning 65 and Medicare is a good start. Your own situation is what really matters. If you would like to talk through your options, call us at 310-440-0281 or toll free at (844) 532-9009, or contact us here. We will listen first, answer your questions and explain the choices available to you. There is no obligation to enroll in anything.