Turning 65:
Medicare Enrollment
Your (IEP)
Signing Up for Medicare at 65
Confused about signing up for Medicare at 65? If you’re getting close to the big day and starting to see a flood of mailers, commercials, and calls about Medicare—you’re not alone.
Most people find the process confusing at first. Terms like Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D sound like alphabet soup, and no one hands you a simple guide that says, “Here’s exactly what to do and when.”
Turning 65 is like climbing a mountain—you need the right guide to reach the Medicare summit without losing your footing. As an independent insurance agent serving Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Northern Virginia, I specialize in helping people cut through the noise, understand what’s important, and take the right steps at the right time.
I help people every day understand what steps to take—before, during, and after turning 65—so they can enroll confidently, avoid penalties, and choose coverage that actually fits their life.
Let’s walk through this together.
4-6 Months Before Turning 65: Start Your Planning
Learn the Basics of Medicare
Medicare Has 4 Parts:
Part A
Hospital coverage (inpatient care, skilled nursing (SNF), hospice).
Part B
Medical services (doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive care).
Part C
Private plans that bundle Parts A & B (and often Part D) together.
Part D
Prescription drug coverage from
private insurance companies.
Check Manual or Automatic Enrollment
If you already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. Your red-white-and-blue Medicare card should arrive about three months before your 65th birthday.
If you aren’t receiving Social Security yet, you’ll need to apply manually through the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can do this online at ssa.gov or in person at a local SSA office. The earliest you can enroll is three months before your 65th birthday month.
Compare Your Coverage Options
This is where working with an independent agent saves you time and stress. We’ll review:
Whether you should stay with Original Medicare or choose a Medicare Advantage plan.
If a Medigap (Supplement) plan makes sense to cover the 20% coinsurance left by Part B.
Which prescription drug plan fits your medication list.
How private employer, TRICARE, Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB), and VA benefits work with Medicare
By doing this before your birthday month, you’ll have plenty of time to compare plans calmly—without the last-minute rush.
The Month You Turn 65: Enroll and Confirm Coverage
Apply for Medicare (if you haven’t already)
If you delayed applying, now’s the time.
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is 7 months long: the three months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and the three months after.
But your coverage start date depends on when you enroll—so earlier is always better.
Choose Your Path: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Hospital & Medical coverage
You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare; add a Medigap plan for extra coverage; add Part D for drugs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Combines A & B (and usually D)
Often includes dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits; uses provider networks like PPOs or HMOs.
We’ll talk through your doctors, prescriptions, and travel habits to see which option fits
best.
Double-Check Your Prescriptions
Prescription coverage can vary widely between plans. A quick medication review ensures you don’t pay more than necessary at the pharmacy.
Many retirees save hundreds each year just by matching their medications to the right plan.
Set Up Your Medicare Online Account
Go to Medicare.gov and create your account. It’s free and lets you track your plan details, see claims, and compare coverage options in the future.
Fine-Tune and Protect Your Coverage
Confirm Everything Is Working Smoothly
Once your coverage begins, check your new insurance card(s) and make sure your doctor’s office has your updated information.
If you chose a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, verify that your prescriptions and pharmacy are correctly set up.
Explore Supplemental Protection
Now that you’re officially on Medicare, it’s a good time to look at gap coverage—the things Medicare doesn’t pay for:
Dental, vision, and hearing plans
Hospital indemnity or critical illness coverage
Long-term care or final-expense life insurance
Retirement income planning
These can help you protect your health and your financial peace of mind.
Mark Your Calendar for the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Each fall (October 15 – December 7), you can review and change your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year.
Drug formularies, doctor networks, and premiums can change—so it’s smart to check your plan every year. Most of my clients set up a short review call each fall so we can make sure everything still fits.
Ask Questions Anytime
Signing up for Medicare at 65 isn’t a one-and-done decision. Your needs, health, and finances evolve. I’m here year-round to answer questions, explain plan letters, and help with claims or billing issues.
Many clients tell me they feel a huge sense of relief knowing they have someone they can call anytime—not a 1-800 number.
Schedule a No-Cost Discovery Call
If you’re turning 65 soon—or helping a loved one who is—it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But with the right guidance, Medicare doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing.
I’m here to make it simple, clear, and personalized for you.
Serving Retirees in Greater Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia
295 Worth Ave #1052 Stafford, VA 22556
Call/Text: 540-992-0332
Medicare Disclaimer: I do not offer every plan available in your area. I represent a number of Medicare Advantage organizations, which offer products in your area. Any information I provide is limited to those plans I do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any US government agency. Insurance related solicitation.