Turning 65? Learn When and How to Sign Up for Medicare
Turning 65 brings an important Medicare decision. Medicare is federal health insurance for people age 65 or older who meet Medicare’s citizenship or residency requirements.
Some people receive Medicare automatically. Other people need to sign up. Learning when Medicare starts, what Part A and Part B cover, and what choices come next can make the process easier.
Call Us (954) 872-1529Speak with a licensed insurance agent about Medicare coverage options available in your area.
What Happens With Medicare When You Turn 65?
Age 65 is the normal starting point for Medicare eligibility. Your next step depends in part on whether you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
People who start receiving Social Security benefits at least four months before turning 65 generally receive Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. Medicare sends a welcome package and Medicare card before coverage begins.
People who are not receiving those benefits usually contact Social Security to sign up for Medicare.
When to Sign Up for Medicare Before Turning 65
Most people first become eligible for Medicare around age 65. Your first Medicare enrollment period generally lasts seven months.
Three Months Before 65
Your Initial Enrollment Period generally starts three months before the month you turn 65.
Your Birthday Month
Your enrollment period continues through the month you turn 65.
Three Months After 65
Your Initial Enrollment Period generally continues for three months after your birthday month.
Do You Have to Sign Up for Medicare at 65?
Medicare enrollment does not work the same way for everyone. Social Security benefits and current health coverage affect the steps you take.
Medicare Starts Automatically
Many people already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before age 65 receive Part A and Part B automatically.
Medicare generally sends the Medicare card before coverage starts.
You Need to Sign Up
People who are not receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before age 65 usually need to sign up.
Social Security handles Medicare enrollment for most people.
How to Sign Up for Medicare
Social Security handles most Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment. Medicare.gov directs people who need to enroll to Social Security.
Check Your Status
First, confirm whether Medicare enrollment happens automatically or whether you need to apply.
Sign Up Through Social Security
Social Security provides an online application for Medicare Part A and Part B.
Review Your Coverage Choices
After Part A and Part B enrollment, review how you want to receive Medicare coverage.
Official enrollment information is available through Social Security and Medicare.gov .
What Is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is the federal Medicare program. It includes Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Medicare pays part of the cost for covered services and you pay your share. Original Medicare generally lets you use doctors and hospitals throughout the United States that accept Medicare.
Original Medicare does not automatically include prescription drug coverage. You can review a separate Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
Understand Medicare Part A and Part B
Part A and Part B form the foundation of Original Medicare.
Medicare Part A
Part A is hospital insurance.
It helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health care services.
Medicare Part B
Part B is medical insurance.
It helps cover doctors, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and certain home health care services.
What Does Original Medicare Cost?
Original Medicare includes several types of costs. The amounts can change from year to year.
Part A Premium
Most people do not pay a monthly Part A premium because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough while working.
Part B Premium
Part B has a monthly premium. Some people pay a higher amount based on income.
Deductibles
Original Medicare includes deductibles before Medicare begins paying its share of certain covered services.
Coinsurance
You usually pay part of the cost for Medicare-covered Part B services after meeting the deductible.
Medicare at 65 and Still Working
Job-based health insurance can affect when you sign up for Medicare Part B. Medicare provides different enrollment rules for people who continue working or receive coverage through a working spouse.
Employer size, the source of the coverage, and the date employment ends can affect Medicare timing. Review your employer coverage and Medicare enrollment dates before changing health insurance.
Original Medicare Does Not Cover Every Health Care Cost
Original Medicare provides broad hospital and medical coverage, but it leaves some costs and services outside the basic Part A and Part B benefits.
Prescription Drugs
Original Medicare does not include standard outpatient prescription drug coverage. Part D provides Medicare drug coverage.
Routine Dental
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental services.
Routine Vision
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or standard eyewear.
Long-Term Care
Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care when personal care is the main service needed.
What Can You Add to Original Medicare?
People who choose Original Medicare can review separate coverage for prescription drugs and some costs left by Part A and Part B.
Medicare Part D
A separate Medicare drug plan can add prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare. Private insurance companies offer Part D plans under Medicare rules.
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Work Differently
After enrolling in Part A and Part B, you can review how you want to receive your Medicare coverage.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B through the federal Medicare program.
You can generally use any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare.
You can add a separate Part D plan and review Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage provides Part A and Part B benefits through a Medicare-approved private insurance company.
Plans can use provider networks and plan-specific coverage rules.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D and many offer additional benefits.
Turning 65 Medicare Checklist
Start with these four questions as you prepare for Medicare at 65.
Check Your Enrollment
Find out whether Medicare will enroll you automatically or whether you need to sign up.
Check Your Dates
Confirm the start and end dates of your Medicare enrollment period.
Review Current Coverage
Review employer, retiree, union, military, Medicaid, or other health coverage that applies to you.
Review Medicare Choices
Compare Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D, and supplemental coverage that applies to your needs.
Turning 65 and Have Medicare Questions?
A licensed insurance agent can explain Medicare coverage choices and help you review private insurance options available in your area.
Call Us (954) 872-1529Speak with us at no cost and with no obligation.
Turning 65 and Medicare Questions
How Do I Sign Up for Medicare?
Some people receive Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. People who need to enroll generally sign up through Social Security.
When Should I Sign Up for Medicare?
Most people first become eligible around age 65. The Initial Enrollment Period generally starts three months before the month you turn 65 and continues for three months after your birthday month.
Do I Have to Sign Up for Medicare at 65?
Some people receive Medicare automatically. Other people need to enroll. Current job-based health coverage can also affect Part B enrollment timing.
Do You Automatically Get Medicare at 65?
Many people receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before age 65 receive Part A and Part B automatically. Other people need to sign up.
What Is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is the federal Medicare program. It includes Medicare Part A for hospital insurance and Medicare Part B for medical insurance.
Does Original Medicare Include Prescription Drug Coverage?
Original Medicare does not include standard outpatient prescription drug coverage. People with Original Medicare can join a separate Medicare Part D drug plan.
Can I Use Any Doctor With Original Medicare?
You can generally use doctors and hospitals throughout the United States that accept Medicare.
What Happens With Medicare at 65 While I Am Still Working?
Active employer health coverage can affect Medicare Part B enrollment timing. Medicare rules depend on the type of employer coverage and your employment situation.
Understand Your Medicare Choices Before Turning 65
Review how Medicare enrollment works, understand Original Medicare, and learn about private coverage options available after you enroll in Medicare.
Call Us (954) 872-1529Speak with us at no cost and with no obligation.