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Turning 65 Medicare Checklist

A step-by-step checklist for the months before and after your 65th birthday so nothing falls through the cracks.

6 min readReviewed for the 2026 plan year

3 Months Before Your Birthday

  • Confirm whether you'll enroll in Part A and/or Part B
  • Check if your employer coverage requires you to delay Part B
  • Gather Social Security number, employment history, and current insurance details

Your Birthday Month

  • Enroll through SSA.gov or your local Social Security office if not auto-enrolled
  • Start comparing Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D options
  • Confirm your preferred doctors accept Medicare or are in-network

After Enrollment

  • Review your first Explanation of Benefits
  • Mark your calendar for the next Annual Enrollment Period
  • Keep records of all enrollment confirmations

Key Takeaways

  • Start preparing at least 3 months before your 65th birthday.
  • Confirm whether employer coverage changes your enrollment timeline.
  • Compare plan types before your Initial Enrollment Period closes.

This checklist is a general guide. Individual circumstances — including employer coverage and disability status — can change these steps.

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