As you approach your 65th birthday, navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming. To help you manage the process, we’ve put together a step-by-step checklist to ensure you’re prepared and ready for Medicare when the time comes. Here’s how you should break it down in the months leading up to your big day:
4 to 6 Months Before Turning 65
1. Start Researching Your Options
At this stage, it’s time to begin exploring your Medicare options. It’s best to start 4 to 6 months before your 65th birthday because this gives you enough time to gather information and weigh your choices without rushing. You don’t want to start too early, as factors like medications and insurance rates can change, but starting within this window will give you enough time to make an informed decision.
2. Understand Your Medicare Eligibility
There are three main scenarios when it comes to needing Medicare at 65:
- You Need Medicare: If you’re not already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare through the Social Security office. This can be done online at SSA.gov, where you’ll sign up for Medicare Parts A and B.
- You’re Already on Social Security: If you’re already on Social Security, Medicare Part A and Part B will automatically start around 3 to 4 months before your 65th birthday.
- You’re on Medicare Due to a Disability: If you’ve already been on Medicare because of a disability, turning 65 gives you an opportunity to make changes to your plan or explore new coverage options.
3. Decide Between Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage
During this time, you should compare Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. Medicare Advantage plans often include additional coverage such as dental, vision, and hearing, while Medicare Supplements help cover out-of-pocket costs like co-pays and deductibles. Take the time to review the benefits of both options and consider your healthcare needs moving forward.
4. Check Your Current Health Insurance
If you’re still employed and have group insurance through your employer or your spouse’s employer, you may not need to enroll in Medicare Part B immediately. As long as the company has 20 or more employees, you can delay Part B without facing penalties. However, it’s still recommended to enroll in Medicare Part A (which is free) as a backup.
3 Months Before Turning 65
1. Apply for Medicare
At this point, it’s crucial to finalize your application if you haven’t done so already. If you’re not on Social Security, you’ll need to apply for Medicare Parts A and B through SSA.gov. If you are on Social Security, your Medicare coverage should automatically begin around this time.
2. Review Your Prescription Medications
Check to see if your medications are covered under the Medicare plan you’re considering. Prescription coverage is essential, so verify whether your current medications are included in the formulary of the Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan you’ve chosen.
3. Verify Your Doctors Accept Medicare
Make sure your doctors are in-network with the Medicare plan you’re considering. The last thing you want is to find out after enrollment that your preferred providers are not covered. Verify that they accept Medicare or that they accept the plan you’re enrolling in.
1 Month Before Turning 65
1. Get Your Medicare Cards
By this time, you should have received your Medicare card in the mail. Double-check that all your information is correct, and ensure that the coverage you’ve chosen is properly reflected.
2. Make Final Adjustments
If you realize that your initial plan choice isn’t quite the right fit, now is the time to make any final adjustments. For example, if you chose a Medicare Advantage plan but want to switch to a Supplement, this is the final month before your coverage starts. It’s better to make changes early to avoid any coverage gaps.
3. Prepare for Your Coverage to Begin
If your birthday falls on the 1st of the month, your Medicare coverage will actually start the previous month, so make sure everything is set up a bit earlier.
After Your 65th Birthday
1. Make Sure You’re Enrolled in the Right Plan
Once you’re officially 65, take a moment to ensure that all your Medicare coverage is active and that you’re enrolled in the plan you’re confident with. If you chose a Medicare Supplement, check that the plan matches your needs. If you selected a Medicare Advantage plan, ensure that you understand the full range of services covered.
2. Seek Assistance if Needed
If you ever feel confused or unsure about any of the steps or decisions regarding your Medicare coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Hito Insurance Agency. Our team of Medicare experts is here to make sure you’re fully informed, confident, and enrolled in the right plan based on your specific health needs.
Conclusion
Navigating Medicare doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting your research 4 to 6 months before your 65th birthday, carefully reviewing your options, and making sure everything is in place as your coverage date approaches, you can ensure a smooth transition into Medicare. Whether you’re new to Medicare, already on it due to disability, or juggling group insurance, taking these proactive steps will help you choose the best plan for your needs. If you ever need assistance or have questions, our team at Hito Insurance Agency is here to guide you through the entire process. Contact us today to get started and make your Medicare journey as seamless as possible!
