If your first question is, “I’m turning 65. What am I supposed to do?” you are in the right place. We begin with your timeline, current coverage, and questions.
Turning 65 is the right time to look at Medicare — even if you plan to keep working. What you need to do depends on whether you already receive Social Security benefits and what coverage you have today. Some people are enrolled automatically; others need to sign up. Start with two dates: your birthday month and the day any current coverage ends. Scott can help you sort out what applies to you, without assuming everyone should take the same path. Boyer Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency, not a government enrollment office.
Map the Initial Enrollment Period
Most people who become eligible at 65 get a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period: the three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the three months after. When you sign up within that window affects when your coverage begins, so earlier is usually smoother. If your birthday falls on the first day of a month, special timing rules apply. Confirm your own dates with Medicare or Social Security, then we can talk about how they fit with any coverage you have now.
If you or your spouse will keep working
Employer coverage changes the picture. Ask the benefits administrator whether Medicare would pay first or second, whether the drug coverage is considered creditable, and what happens when the job or the coverage ends. COBRA and retiree coverage do not count the same way as coverage from a current employer. And if you contribute to a Health Savings Account, enrolling in any part of Medicare affects your ability to keep contributing — review that with your employer and tax adviser before making changes.
Learn the coverage choices after the foundation
Once your timing is clear, the choices get simpler. You will generally hear about four pieces: Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage and Medigap are different paths — you use one or the other, not both. If Medigap interests you, its six-month open enrollment window starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B, and that is separate from the fall annual enrollment period. Scott can walk you through how each option handles doctors, prescriptions and costs for your situation. Bring a list of your doctors and current prescriptions to that conversation, so the comparison reflects your real life rather than a generic chart.
Prepare for a conversation and avoid gaps
You do not need to know the terminology before reaching out. Tell Scott whether you are turning 65 soon, still working, or helping a family member, and he will help you identify the dates and decisions that matter. One important caution: do not cancel any current coverage until your new coverage is confirmed with a start date. To get started, share only your contact details and general interest — please keep Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers and medical details out of the website form.
Common questions
When should I start asking about Medicare?
Start before your Initial Enrollment Period so you have time to confirm eligibility, current coverage coordination and effective dates. Most people eligible at 65 have a seven-month window centered on their birthday month.
Will Medicare enrollment happen automatically?
Some people are automatically enrolled, while others must sign up. Check your Medicare and Social Security notices rather than assuming enrollment has occurred.
Official information for your next step
General education only. Policy terms, eligibility and enrollment requirements must be verified for your circumstances.