Turning 65 Soon? What You Need to Know About Medicare
Published February 17th, 2026
Turning 65 is a major milestone. It’s a time to celebrate, reflect, and look forward to the next chapter of life. But for many people, it also comes with a big question:
“What do I need to do about Medicare?”
If you’re feeling confused, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin — you’re not alone. Medicare has multiple parts, different enrollment periods, and several coverage options. The good news? Once you understand the basics, it becomes much more manageable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know as you approach Medicare eligibility — clearly and simply.
When Do You Become Eligible for Medicare?
Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65.
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and continues for three months after. That gives you a total of seven months to enroll.
If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits before age 65, you’ll typically be enrolled automatically in Medicare Part A and Part B. If not, you’ll need to enroll yourself through Social Security.
Timing matters. Missing your enrollment window can result in late penalties or delays in coverage.
Understanding the Parts of Medicare
Medicare is divided into different parts, and each one covers different services.
Medicare Part A – Hospital Coverage
Part A helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home health care. Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Medicare Part B – Medical Coverage
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, and medical equipment. Part B does have a monthly premium, which may vary based on income.
Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D helps cover prescription medications. This coverage is offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). They help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans
Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare and are offered by private insurance companies. These plans often include additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.
Understanding the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when turning 65.
Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference?
While both options provide Medicare coverage, they work differently.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap):
- Works with Original Medicare
- Typically offers more provider flexibility
- Helps reduce out-of-pocket medical costs
- Usually has a separate prescription drug plan
Medicare Advantage:
- Replaces Original Medicare
- Often bundles medical and drug coverage together
- May include extra benefits like dental and vision
- Usually operates within provider networks
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, and financial goals all matter when making this decision.
What If You’re Still Working at 65?
Many people today continue working past age 65. If you have employer coverage, you may not need to enroll in Medicare immediately.
However, this depends on:
- The size of your employer
- Whether your coverage is considered creditable
- Whether you contribute to an HSA
In some cases, delaying Medicare Part B can make sense. In others, enrolling at 65 is important to avoid penalties. Reviewing your specific situation before making a decision is critical.
What If You’re a Veteran?
If you receive VA benefits, you may wonder whether you need Medicare at all.
Many veterans choose to enroll in Medicare even if they use VA healthcare. Medicare can provide flexibility for care outside the VA system and may help cover services not included under VA benefits.
Enrolling in Medicare does not cancel or reduce your VA benefits. In fact, coordinating both programs can offer broader protection and peace of mind.
Understanding Medicare Costs
While Part A is often premium-free, Medicare is not entirely free.
You may have:
- Part B monthly premiums
- Deductibles
- Coinsurance
- Prescription drug costs
- Plan-specific copays
The structure of your plan will determine how predictable your healthcare costs are in retirement.
Planning ahead allows you to avoid surprises and choose coverage that aligns with your retirement income strategy.
Why Reviewing Your Plan Every Year Matters
Even after enrolling, Medicare is not a “set it and forget it” decision.
Every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7):
- Plans may change benefits
- Provider networks may shift
- Drug formularies may be updated
- Premiums may adjust
Reviewing your coverage annually helps ensure your plan still fits your needs.
Common Medicare Mistakes to Avoid
As you approach 65, here are some common pitfalls we see:
- Waiting too long to enroll
- Assuming Medicare covers everything
- Choosing a plan without checking doctors or prescriptions
- Not understanding how employer coverage affects enrollment
- Ignoring annual reviews
Most of these mistakes are preventable with early planning and education.
How Medicare Fits Into Your Bigger Retirement Picture
Medicare isn’t just a healthcare decision. It’s part of your overall retirement strategy.
Your healthcare costs affect:
- Your monthly retirement income needs
- Your savings withdrawal strategy
- Long-term care planning
- Legacy planning for your family
Coordinating Medicare with Social Security, annuities, rollovers, and life insurance strategies helps create a more stable financial future.
Turning 65 is not just about choosing a plan — it’s about protecting your health, wealth, and everything in between.
What Happens After You Schedule a Medicare Appointment?
Many people delay asking for help because they fear high-pressure sales conversations.
A proper Medicare review should feel educational, not overwhelming.
A typical conversation includes:
- Reviewing your current coverage
- Discussing your doctors and prescriptions
- Explaining your available options clearly
- Comparing plans you qualify for
- Answering your questions without pressure
The goal is clarity — so you can make an informed decision confidently.
Do You Have to Pay to Get Help?
No. There is no additional cost to work with a licensed Medicare advisor. Advisors are compensated by insurance companies, so you receive personal guidance at no extra charge.
It’s always wise to work with someone who explains your options clearly and ensures you understand the plans they offer.
For a full list of available Medicare options in your area, you can visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Final Thoughts: Turning 65 Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
If you’re turning 65 soon, take a deep breath.
Medicare may seem complicated at first, but with the right guidance and clear information, it becomes manageable.
The key steps are:
- Know your enrollment window
- Understand the parts of Medicare
- Compare your coverage options carefully
- Coordinate Medicare with your broader retirement plan
- Review your coverage every year
This milestone is about stepping into retirement with confidence — not confusion.
Planning ahead helps ensure you protect your healthcare, your income, and your peace of mind for the years ahead.