Turning 65: Know what to do when
Know what to do when
As soon as you turn 64, you should start getting ready for Medicare. If you’ve decided to enroll in Medicare, this timeline offers suggestions for what you need to do to stay on track.
Age 64
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Preparing for Medicare
- Learn about Medicare and the different types of plans. Start here.
- Make a list of your regular doctors and prescription drugs to make it easy for you to compare plans.
- If you currently have coverage through an employer, ask if they offer coverage options for people 65 and older.
- Get a picture of your health care history. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What did you pay in the past year? Look at your TOTAL costs, including premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance.
- How many times did you go to the doctor?
- How many hospital stays did you have?
- Do you plan on traveling?
- Knowing these details will make it easier to find the right plan when you are ready to enroll.
- Compare different Medicare plans to find the coverage and premiums that work best for you.
- When comparing plans, be sure to look at the maximum amount of costs you could incur, or the out-of-pocket maximum.
- See if your doctors are covered.
- See if your prescriptions are covered.
- Compare our Medicare Advantage plans online.
- Find out about any extra benefits, such as fitness programs, hearing aid discounts and more.
- Arrange a personal consultation with a Medicare Advisor.
- Determine which options are best for you.
Age 64 + 9months
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Now's the time to choose your plan
Now’s the time to choose your plan.
- Time to enroll. You can start enrolling in Medicare starting three months before the month of your birthday.
- To enroll in Part A and Part B, contact the Social Security Administration.
- Ready to enroll in a Mass General Brigham Health Plan Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan? Get started today.
Age 65
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Let's get started
- You can now take advantage of Medicare benefits. If you already enrolled in Medicare, it becomes effective now.
Age 65 +3 months
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Don't get stuck paying penalties
- You must be enrolled in Part A, B and D (or creditable coverage) by now to avoid paying late enrollment penalties.
Beyond age 65
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Medicare is not a "once and done" decision.
- You can change plans once a year. If the Medicare plan you chose is not meeting your needs, you can change plans, typically in the fall, during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
Plan to work past 65? Explore your options.
Our Medicare Advisors are here to help.
Get expert guidance to help you understand your options, find the right plan and make sure your transition to your new plan goes smoothly with no disruption to your care.
Call 855-486-3097 (TTY 711)
Seven days a week, 8 AM-8 PM Eastern Time
April 1-September 30, call Monday-Friday, 8 AM-8 PM