Are you planning to join Medicare when you’re 65? There’s an easy timeline of what to do and when to do it so that you’re prepared when it’s time to enroll. If you start familiarizing yourself with your Medicare options when you turn 64, you’ll have plenty of time to learn what you need in a plan and how to get it.

Your 64th birthday

Now’s the time to start learning the basics of Medicare! What does Medicare cover? How much does it cost? What plan options are available? Having the answers to these questions will help tremendously as you approach your eligibility date and consider what you need from your healthcare plan. You can learn more about Medicare by visiting our Medicare Learning Center and checking out The 3 Most Common Medicare Options.

7 months before you turn 65

Consider your lifestyle and health needs relative to your Part C Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D prescription drug coverage options. Visit our blog and check out 4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Medicare Plan to see what you should be considering when deciding which Medicare option is right for you.

5 months before you turn 65

Start planning: look up providers and drugs that are covered, areas where services are provided and extras you’re interested in. Do you need dental or vision benefits? What about fitness club memberships and worldwide travel benefits? Do you need coverage for your daily medications? You might be surprised to find out that Original Medicare won’t be of much or any help in these areas. But there are options for getting all the coverage you need. Medicare Advantage plans, for example, usually include all of these benefits. Check outThe Advantages of a Medicare Advantage Plan to learn more about how you can get all your health needs met with one company.

3 months before you turn 65

Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B NOW, and make your Medicare Advantage plan choice early so all of your benefits will begin on your first day of eligibility!

Your 65th birthday!

If you enrolled ahead of your birthday, all of your Medicare benefits will begin this month! It’s important to sign up before your birthday so you don’t experience a gap in coverage.

3-month DEADLINE

After turning 65, you have three months left in your Initial Enrollment Period. But your coverage could be delayed if you wait until these months to enroll. Your coverage will begin one, two or three months after you enroll. The start date depends on how long after your birthday you waited to enroll.