Turning 65 is a milestone, and Medicare is one of the most important decisions that comes with it. But the process can feel overwhelming if you do not know where to start. When should you sign up? What are your options? What happens if you are still working?
I have put together this step-by-step checklist to help Arizona residents navigate the transition to Medicare with confidence.
12 Months Before You Turn 65
Start learning the basics. Medicare has four parts. Part A covers hospital stays and is usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care and has a monthly premium. Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. Part D covers prescription drugs.
Review your current health coverage. If you have employer coverage, check with your HR department about how it coordinates with Medicare. If your employer has 20 or more employees, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty. If fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes primary at 65.
6 Months Before You Turn 65
Decide between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare anywhere in the country. You can add a Medigap supplement to cover out-of-pocket costs and a Part D plan for prescriptions. Medicare Advantage bundles everything into one plan, often with extra benefits like dental and vision, but requires you to use a provider network.
Make a list of your doctors and medications. This is critical for choosing the right plan. You need to know which doctors you want to keep seeing and which prescriptions you take, including dosages.
Talk to a local Medicare broker. A broker can compare all available plans in your area using your specific doctors and medications. This service is free to you.
3 Months Before You Turn 65 (Your IEP Begins)
Your Initial Enrollment Period starts. This 7-month window (3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and 3 months after) is when you should enroll in Medicare. If you are collecting Social Security, you may be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B.
Sign up for Medicare Parts A and B. You can enroll online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. If you are delaying Part B due to employer coverage, you do not need to enroll yet but should enroll in Part A (it is free).
Choose your coverage path. Enroll in either a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap supplement plus Part D plan. This is where having a broker compare options for you pays off.
Your Birthday Month
Confirm your Medicare card has arrived. Your red, white, and blue Medicare card should arrive in the mail before your coverage start date. Keep it in a safe place.
Confirm your plan enrollment. Whether you chose Medicare Advantage or a supplement, verify you received confirmation from your insurance company and that your coverage start date is correct.
After Enrollment
Schedule your Welcome to Medicare preventive visit. This free visit with your doctor must be done within the first 12 months of Part B coverage. It is a great way to establish a baseline for your health.
Set a reminder to review your plan every fall. During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7), you can switch plans if a better option becomes available. Plans change every year, so this annual review is important.
Keep your broker’s number handy. If you have questions about a bill, a denied claim, or a change in your health, your broker can help you navigate it. That is what I am here for.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you are turning 65 in Arizona and want someone to walk you through your options step by step, I would love to help. I have been doing this for 7 years, and I work with seniors in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, and across the East Valley.
Call me at 480-296-5804 or request a free consultation. No pressure, no obligation, and no cost to you.