MedStar Insurance Agency· MedStar Insurance Agency · Medicare Enrollment · 2 min read
Medicare Enrollment Countdown: What to Do Before You Turn 65
A step-by-step checklist to prepare for Medicare enrollment, broken down into 6-month, 3-month, and 1-month tasks. Don't miss any important deadlines!
Turning 65 is a significant milestone, and preparing for Medicare enrollment is crucial. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready when your Initial Enrollment Period begins. Let’s break it down into manageable steps!
6 Months Before Your 65th Birthday
Research and Planning
- Learn the basics of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D
- Review your current coverage
- Employer/union health insurance
- COBRA coverage
- Individual health insurance
- Check your eligibility
- U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- Work history (40 quarters/10 years)
- Current employment status
Financial Preparation
- Review your budget
- Part B premium ($174.70/month in 2024)
- Part D premium (varies by plan)
- Supplemental coverage costs
- Check if you qualify for assistance programs
- Extra Help
- Medicare Savings Programs
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance
Document Gathering
- Locate important documents
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Proof of citizenship/residency
- Tax returns
- Military service records (if applicable)
3 Months Before Your 65th Birthday
Coverage Decisions
- Decide on coverage type
- Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
- Medicare Advantage
- Employer coverage (if still working)
- Research supplemental coverage
- Compare Medigap plans
- Review Medicare Advantage plans
- Check Part D plans
Application Preparation
- Create your Social Security account at ssa.gov
- Gather proof of income
- Recent tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Investment income
- List your medications for Part D comparison
Important: Your Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before your birthday month. Don’t wait until the last minute!
1 Month Before Your 65th Birthday
Final Steps
- Apply for Medicare
- Online at ssa.gov
- In person at Social Security office
- By phone (1-800-772-1213)
- Choose your coverage
- Select Part D plan
- Enroll in Medigap or Medicare Advantage
- Confirm employer coverage (if applicable)
Important Reminders
- Set up automatic payments for premiums
- Update your healthcare providers
- Confirm they accept Medicare
- Check if they’re in-network (if choosing Medicare Advantage)
- Review your decisions with a Medicare counselor
After Your 65th Birthday
Follow-up Tasks
- Watch for your Medicare card
- Review your coverage decisions
- Set up your online Medicare account
- Schedule your Welcome to Medicare visit
Need Help with Your Enrollment?
At MedStar Insurance Agency, we can help you:
- Compare coverage options
- Find the right plans
- Complete applications
- Understand your benefits
- Navigate the enrollment process
Contact us today to get personalized help with your Medicare enrollment. We’ll make sure you’re ready for this important transition!
Remember: Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can result in late enrollment penalties. Start early and check off each task to ensure a smooth transition to Medicare!
