Turning 65? Here’s Your Medicare Guide

Approaching your 65th birthday means it’s time to understand Medicare. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

When to Enroll

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window:

• Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month
• Includes your birthday month
• Ends 3 months after your birthday month

Don’t miss this window! Late enrollment can mean penalties and coverage gaps.

The Parts of Medicare

Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care. Most people get Part A premium-free.

Part B (Medical Insurance)

Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment. Standard premium in 2025 is $185/month.

Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Private plans that combine Part A and B, often including drug coverage and extra benefits. May have different costs and rules.

Part D (Prescription Drugs)

Covers prescription medications. Available as standalone plans or included in Medicare Advantage.

Key Decisions

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

• See any Medicare provider
• Need separate Part D and possibly Medigap
• Predictable coverage nationwide

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

• Often lower premiums
• May include extras (dental, vision, fitness)
• Usually requires using network providers
• Coverage varies by plan

Do You Need Medigap?

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies help pay costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover—deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Consider one if you want predictable out-of-pocket costs.

If You’re Still Working

If you have employer coverage when you turn 65, you may be able to delay Medicare enrollment without penalty. Understand the rules for your situation.

Get Help

This is a big decision. Consider talking to:

• Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
• A licensed Medicare insurance agent
• Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE

Make informed choices about your Medicare coverage.

Related Guides

• Health Insurance Guide - Complete health coverage overview
• Insurance for Seniors (65+) - Coverage guidance for Medicare-eligible adults
• Insurance for Retirees - Retirement coverage planning

Data Sources

Medicare information in this guide comes from CMS Medicare.gov (opens in new tab) , Kaiser Family Foundation (opens in new tab) , and federal Medicare program data. Learn more about our data collection methods on our Methodology page.