· Steve Almeroth · 2 min read
Turning 65 Soon? Here’s Your Medicare Timeline
Your Medicare decisions start before your 65th birthday—here’s what to know and when to act.
Turning 65 is a milestone—and for many, it’s the start of something confusing: Medicare.
Knowing when to act is just as important as knowing what to choose. This timeline lays out key dates and decisions so you can feel confident about coverage.
6–12 Months Before Your 65th Birthday
Start learning about Medicare basics—Parts A, B, C, and D. If you’re still working and have employer coverage, talk to your HR department and a licensed agent to see if you need to enroll right away or can delay.
3 Months Before
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins: You have 7 months total (3 before, your birthday month, and 3 after) to sign up. Enroll early to avoid coverage gaps or penalties.
Your Birthday Month
If you signed up early, coverage begins now. If you delayed, now’s your time to finalize decisions.
3 Months After
This is the tail end of your IEP. If you haven’t enrolled yet, do it now to avoid late penalties for Part B and Part D.
Annually Thereafter: Open Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
This is your chance each year to review your plan and make changes for the next calendar year. Even if your plan worked this year, your needs—or your plan—may change.
Why Work With an Agent?
Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all. A licensed agent can help you:
- Avoid penalties
- Compare coverage
- Understand Medigap and Advantage plans
- Stay on track with timelines and annual changes
Bottom line: Turning 65 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little guidance—and the right agent—you can step into Medicare with clarity and confidence.
Need help mapping your timeline? Let’s talk.
