I’m Turning 65 This Year – What To Do When Reaching Medicare Eligibility Age
Once you reach Medicare eligibility age it would be best if you had either employer-provided health insurance or Medicare when turning 65.
Get Medicare Ready! Let’s get started.
Step 1 – Plan in advance:
Eight Months before your 65th birthday:
If you are still working and have healthcare coverage through your employer, decide whether you will retire or continue to work.
If you plan to keep working:
Make sure your Employer coverage is “Creditable.”
Generally speaking, creditable coverage meets Medicare minimum essential standards for medical and prescription drug coverage. Your employer can confirm whether your coverage is considered “creditable” for Medicare.
Is your spouse covered on your employer plan?
If your spouse is younger than you and not eligible for Medicare, they will need to find other coverage if you leave your employer plan.
Click here for more information about individual health coverage.
If you plan to retire at age 65:
Your Medicare Initial Coverage Enrollment Period (ICEP)
Your Initial Coverage Enrollment Period is a 7-month period that starts three months before and ends three months after the month of your 65th birthday.
☞ For example, Your 65th Birthday is June 15.
March * April *May * 65th BD June 15 * July *August *September
Your Initial Coverage Enrollment Period starts on March 1 and ends on September 30.
Remember! It is essential to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B within these time frames to prevent delays in procuring coverage and Part B penalties for late enrollment.
Three months before your 65th birthday:
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit socialsecurity.gov here for more information about signing up for Medicare Part A and Part B.
It would help if you had your Medicare Card, ID number, and Part A and B effective dates for proof of coverage and to enroll in MAPD and other plans.
