Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — Know the Window
When you turn 65, you get a 7-month enrollment window called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):
- 📅 3 months before your 65th birthday month
- 📅 Your birthday month itself
- 📅 3 months after your birthday month
For example, if your birthday is in September, your IEP runs from June 1 through December 31.
Step-by-Step: Your Turning 65 Checklist
✅ Step 1: Determine If You Need to Enroll Now
If you’re already receiving Social Security, you’ll be auto-enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B. Your card arrives about 3 months before you turn 65.
If you’re still working with employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B (and avoid the premium) — but there are rules. Talk to us before deciding.
✅ Step 2: Enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A is free for most people (if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years). There’s rarely a reason to delay Part A, even if you’re still working.
✅ Step 3: Decide on Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. The standard premium is $185/month in 2026. If you delay and don’t have qualifying employer coverage, you’ll pay a permanent late penalty.
✅ Step 4: Choose Your Coverage Path
This is the big decision. You have two main paths:
✅ Step 5: If Choosing Medigap — Enroll During Your Open Enrollment
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts when you’re 65 AND enrolled in Part B. During this 6-month window, insurance companies cannot deny you or charge more based on health conditions. This is your best — and sometimes only — chance to get Medigap without medical underwriting.
✅ Step 6: Don’t Forget Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
If you choose Original Medicare (not Medicare Advantage), you should enroll in a standalone Part D plan. Even if you take no medications now, skipping Part D means a permanent late enrollment penalty if you join later.
Common Turning-65 Mistakes
- ❌ Missing your IEP — leads to gaps in coverage and late penalties
- ❌ Delaying Part B without qualifying coverage — 10% penalty for every 12 months you delay
- ❌ Skipping Medigap Open Enrollment — after 6 months, insurers can deny you or charge more
- ❌ Not reviewing Part D plans — drug costs vary wildly between plans
- ❌ Assuming employer coverage is enough — small employers (under 20 employees) require Medicare to be primary
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