Turning 65?
New to Medicare? Here's what happens next.
Medicare has a handful of deadlines and four moving parts. Here's the whole thing in plain language, in the order it actually happens — and you never have to do it alone.
Your timeline, step by step
- 1
3 months before you turn 65
Your Initial Enrollment Period opens. This is the best time to look at your options calmly — before any deadline pressure. Make a list of your doctors and every prescription you take; that list decides which plan fits.
- 2
Decide: are you still working?
If you (or your spouse) have creditable coverage through an employer, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty. If not, signing up on time matters — late penalties last for life.
- 3
Enroll in Part A and Part B
This is Original Medicare: hospital (A) and medical (B). Most people pay no premium for Part A. If you already receive Social Security, you're usually enrolled automatically.
- 4
Choose how to fill the gaps
Two paths. Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles everything into one plan, often with dental, vision and hearing. Or keep Original Medicare and add a Medigap supplement plus a Part D drug plan. Neither is better in general — it depends on your doctors and prescriptions.
- 5
Don't skip Part D
Even if you take no medications today, a basic drug plan protects you from a lifetime late penalty and from surprise costs later.
- 6
Review every year
Plans change their costs, drug lists and networks each year. Between October 15 and December 7 you can switch for the coming year — we review yours with you, free, every fall.
The four parts, in one minute
Part A
Hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice. Usually premium-free if you or a spouse worked 10+ years.
Part B
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services. Has a monthly premium set by Medicare.
Part C
Medicare Advantage — a private plan that bundles A, B and usually D, often with extras.
Part D
Prescription drug coverage, either standalone or built into an Advantage plan.
Dates worth writing down
- Initial Enrollment Period
- The 3 months before your 65th birthday month, that month, and the 3 months after.
- Annual Enrollment Period
- October 15 – December 7. Switch Advantage or Part D plans for next year.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
- January 1 – March 31, for people already in an Advantage plan.
- Special Enrollment Periods
- Moving, losing coverage, or leaving an employer plan can open a window any time of year.
Three mistakes we see most
- Missing the initial window and picking up a penalty that never goes away.
- Choosing a plan without checking that your doctors are in the network.
- Skipping the annual review and staying on a plan whose costs quietly went up.
Let's walk through it together.
A free, no-obligation sit-down with a licensed agent. We'll line up your options side by side — in English or Español.