Turning 65
Turning 65: Your Medicare Starting Point
Turning 65 is a common Medicare milestone, but the right next step depends on whether you receive Social Security benefits, have employer coverage, contribute to an HSA, or qualify through another route.
Start three months before your birthday month
Gather your Medicare eligibility dates, current coverage details, doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Confirm whether enrollment is automatic or whether you need to apply.
- ✓ Review your Initial Enrollment Period
- ✓ Ask whether employer coverage is creditable
- ✓ Understand HSA contribution timing
- ✓ Compare prescription coverage
Do not assume you must leave employer coverage
People with active employer coverage may have different choices. Employer size and the source of coverage matter, so ask the benefits administrator how the plan coordinates with Medicare.