Turning 65 Checklist

Confirm your Social Security enrollment status

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. If not, you need to sign up yourself.

Decide whether to enroll in Part B now or delay

If you have creditable employer coverage through a current employer (yours or a spouse's), you may be able to delay Part B without penalty. Retiree coverage does NOT count.

Research your Medicare plan options

Understand the difference between Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D drug plans.  Marissa can also review this if you schedule an appointment once you are eligible to enroll.

Make a list of your doctors, specialists, and hospitals

You will need this to check whether they are in-network for any Medicare Advantage plan you consider.

Gather your current prescription list

Write down every medication, dosage, and frequency. This is essential for comparing Part D drug plans.

Enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Most people get Part A premium-free if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Enroll in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. The standard 2025 premium is $202.90/month.

Choose a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan if using Original Medicare

Medigap helps cover out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles. You have guaranteed issue rights during this window — no health questions.

Enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug Plan

Even if you take no medications, enrolling in a low-cost Part D plan protects you from a late enrollment penalty later.

Or enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan

Medicare Advantage bundles Parts A, B, and usually D into one plan. Compare networks, drug formularies, and out-of-pocket maximums carefully.

Notify your current insurance carrier

If you are leaving employer coverage, notify HR and your insurer of your Medicare start date to avoid a coverage gap.

Confirm your Medicare card has arrived

Your red, white, and blue Medicare card will be mailed to you. Keep it in a safe place — you will need it at every appointment.

Verify your doctors accept your new plan

Call each provider or check the plan's online directory to confirm they are in-network before your first appointment.

Set up your Medicare.gov account

Create an account at Medicare.gov to view your coverage, claims, and plan information online.

Schedule a free review with Marissa

Not sure what to enroll in? Marissa can help you review your Medicare options, compare available coverage, and make an informed decision.

Missing your Initial Enrollment Period

Your IEP is a 7-month window: 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday. Missing it means waiting and paying a penalty.

Assuming retiree coverage counts as creditable

Retiree insurance from a former employer does NOT allow you to delay Part B without penalty. Only active employer coverage qualifies.

Skipping Part D because you take no medications

If you go without creditable drug coverage for 63+ days after your IEP, you will pay a permanent late enrollment penalty when you do enroll.

Choosing a plan based on premium alone

A $0 premium plan may cost more overall if your doctors are out-of-network or your medications are not on the formulary.

Not reviewing your plan every year

Plans change annually. Premiums, drug formularies, and networks can all shift. Review your options every fall during Open Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7).