Medicare: What to Do if You’re Turning 65

Act Now: If you’re turning 65, it’s best to sign up early.

When you turn 65, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): three months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and three months after. If you complete your enrollment during the first three months of your IEP, your coverage will begin on your 65th birthday. If you wait until after your IEP, your coverage date may be delayed, and you may even face late enrollment penalties.

There are certain other events that allow you to be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan during a Special Enrollment Period, these include:

• You were disenrolled from Medicaid. You have 6 months from that date to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Moving outside of your current Medicare plan’s service area.
• Retiring and will lose your current health care coverage.
• You receive “Extra Help” with a Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) for drug coverage.

Have questions? Feel free to contact us!