Turning 65: Unlocking The Door To Medicare

Turning 65 is a significant milestone in one's life, as it marks the age at which individuals are eligible for Medicare. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for individuals who are 65 or older, as well as for some younger individuals with certain disabilities or chronic conditions.

When you turn 65, there are several things you need to do to ensure you have access to the benefits of Medicare. One of the most important is signing up for Medicare Part A and B.

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance, and it covers inpatient care in hospitals, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care. Part B is medical insurance, and it covers doctor visits, preventive care, and other medical services.

You can sign up for Part A and Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. You may also sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.

If you are still working and have coverage through your employer or union, you may delay signing up for Part B without penalty, as long as you have credible coverage through your employer or union.

It's important to note that if you don't sign up for Medicare when you're first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare.

In addition to signing up for Medicare Part A and B, you should also consider supplementing your coverage with a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). These plans offer additional coverage and benefits beyond what Original Medicare (Part A and B) provides.

In summary, when you turn 65, it's important to sign up for Medicare Part A and B, as they provide the foundation of your Medicare coverage. You should also consider additional coverage options through a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.