Turning 65: Tips for your situation

If you're going to keep your (or your spouse's) current employer coverage
- Find out if you need to enroll in Part B to avoid penalties—it may be necessary if your employer has fewer than 20 employees.
- Ask your employer if your plan’s prescription drug coverage is as good as Medicare’s coverage (it’s called “creditable coverage”). If not, enroll in Part D to avoid penalties.
If you're NOT keeping your employer coverage:
- Talk to your employer to see if there are other options or plans available to people 65 and older.
- Enroll in Parts A and B once you’re eligible.
- Consider Part C (Medicare Advantage) or supplemental plans for additional coverage. Medicare Advantage plans often feature no deductibles on medical services and offer benefits that go above and beyond Part A and Part B coverage.
- Sign up for Part D prescription drug coverage. Many Medicare Advantage plans are offered with Part D drug coverage included.
What if your current coverage wasn’t purchased through an employer?
- For all other qualified health plans, you will need to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B and have a prescription drug coverage that’s as good as Medicare’s standard plan (or enroll in Part D) to avoid penalties. A Medicare Advantage plan is a great way to get all the parts of Medicare in one plan. If you choose to keep your current coverage once you turn 65, you will lose any premium tax credits or other savings you are currently receiving. Since you will still need to enroll in Medicare Part A and B, a Medicare Advantage plan may be a better alternative.
- If you have an Essential Plan, your plan will end at age 65 and you will need to enroll in Medicare for health coverage.

What to know when you're turning 65

Select the circumstance that best applies to your current situation:

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