Turning 64? – What you need to know

When you turn 64, it’s a great time to start learning about Medicare so you’re ready to make informed decisions when you become eligible at age 65. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and start thinking about:

🧠 1. Understand What Medicare Is

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:

• People 65 or older
• People under 65 with certain disabilities
• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

🗓️ 2. Know When You Can Enroll

You become eligible for Medicare at 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is:

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

✅ Tip: Enroll early (in the first 3 months) to avoid delays in coverage.

📋 3. Learn the Parts of Medicare

Medicare has four main parts:

💳 4. Decide Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

You can choose one of two paths:

Option 1: Original Medicare

• Part A + Part B
• Add Part D (drug coverage)
• Optional: Add Medigap (supplemental insurance to cover costs like deductibles)

Option 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)

• All-in-one plan from private insurer
• Includes Part A, Part B, often Part D
• May offer dental, vision, hearing

💰 5. Consider the Costs

Even though Medicare helps with costs, it’s not free:

• Part B premium (required)
• Part D premiums
• Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
• Medigap or Advantage premiums (if you choose them)

🧾 6. Check If You Need to Sign Up

You must sign up for Medicare unless you:

• Have credible coverage through an employer (yours or your spouse’s) with more than 20 employees

If not, delaying enrollment can result in:

• Late enrollment penalties
• Gaps in coverage

🏥 7. See How Medicare Works with Employer Coverage (if still working)

• If you’re still working at 65, you can sometimes delay Part B and Part D without penalty.
• Check with your employer benefits office.

📑 8. Start Comparing Plans

Use the Medicare Plan Finder on medicare.gov to compare:

• Drug coverage (Part D)
• Medicare Advantage plans
• Medigap policies

🛠️ 9. Gather Documents & Information

Get ready by collecting:

• Your Social Security number
• Employment and health insurance info
• Records of any current coverage

📞 10. Where to Get Help

• Call Aaron Headley Insurance Solutions:
• Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE