Turning 65? Start with a clear plan.

When should I sign up for Medicare at 65?

For most people, the initial enrollment window lasts seven months: the three months before the month they turn 65, their birthday month, and the three months after. A birthday on the first day of a month affects the timing, so confirm your exact dates with Medicare or Social Security.

Some people enroll automatically; others must apply. Check your enrollment status and effective dates before relying on coverage.

Can I wait if I still have work insurance?

You may qualify to delay Part B with coverage based on your or your spouse’s current employment. Employer size and how the coverage pays matter. COBRA and retiree coverage are not the same as current-employment coverage for this purpose. Confirm the rules with the employer benefits administrator and Medicare before delaying.

If you contribute to a Health Savings Account, ask about Medicare enrollment and contribution timing before making changes.

Start with what you have today

Write down your birthday, whether you or your spouse are still working, and what insurance covers you now. Medicare enrollment can be automatic for some people; others need to sign up. Confirm what applies to you before assuming it is handled.

Plan for both people in your household

If your spouse is younger and uses Marketplace coverage, their needs may be different from yours. Review the household’s coverage and Marketplace application before changing anything.

Read about under-65 Marketplace coverage.

Your next steps

1. Confirm whether you need to apply for Parts A and B and when coverage will begin.
2. Ask your benefits administrator how existing insurance coordinates with Medicare.
3. Gather doctor names, prescriptions, pharmacies, and current insurance notices.
4. Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, including prescription coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
5. Confirm the new effective date before ending existing coverage.

For local help, visit our St. George Medicare office or book a coverage review. See the enrollment-period guide for other situations.

Bring these questions

• Do I need to sign up, or will enrollment happen automatically?
• How does my existing coverage affect my next steps?
• What should I check about doctors, prescriptions, and costs?
• What happens to my spouse’s insurance?