Turning 65? Medicare Starts Here.

Medicare brings new choices and important deadlines. Our licensed Medicare agents help you understand when to enroll, how your coverage options work, and what plans are available where you live.

Get Help With Medicare

Your Medicare timeline at 65

• Initial Enrollment Period: 7 months. It starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after.
• Part B late penalty: if you delay Part B without other qualifying coverage, your premium can go up 10% for each full 12 months you could have had it.
• Medigap open enrollment: 6 months, starting the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.
• Still working? Employer coverage can change your deadlines. We can walk you through it.

When Should You
Sign Up for Medicare?

For most people, the first opportunity to enroll in Medicare begins around their 65th birthday. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period, and it lasts 7 months.

Your 7-Month Enrollment Window

3 Months

Before

65

Birthday Month

3 Months

After

When you should enroll can depend on your situation. If you're still working or covered through an employer, your Medicare enrollment timeline may be different.

Still Working at 65?

If you have health coverage through your or your spouse's current employer, you may have different Medicare enrollment options. It's important to understand how your employer coverage works with Medicare before deciding when to enroll.

Already Receiving Social Security?

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Review your Medicare information carefully so you understand your coverage and next steps.

GET HELP WITH
MEDICARE!

* INDICATES REQUIRED FIELD

When Should You
Sign Up for Medicare?

For most people, the first opportunity to enroll in Medicare begins around their 65th birthday. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period, and it lasts 7 months.

Your 7-Month Enrollment Window

3 Months

Before

65

Birthday Month

3 Months

After

When you should enroll can depend on your situation. If you're still working or covered through an employer, your Medicare enrollment timeline may be different.

Still Working at 65?

If you have health coverage through your or your spouse's current employer, you may have different Medicare enrollment options. It's important to understand how your employer coverage works with Medicare before deciding when to enroll.

Already Receiving Social Security?

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Review your Medicare information carefully so you understand your coverage and next steps.

By submitting this form, you authorize a licensed insurance agent to contact you by phone or email regarding your request for Medicare information. There is no obligation to enroll.

What Are Your Medicare Options?

Turning 65 comes with several Medicare choices. Here’s a simple breakdown of the main coverage options and how they differ.

Parts A & B

Original Medicare

Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care, while Part B helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care and other medically necessary services.

Part C

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They provide your Part A and Part B benefits, and many plans include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.

Medigap

Medicare Supplement

Medicare Supplement insurance works alongside Original Medicare and can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs. Different standardized plans offer different levels of coverage.

What About Prescription Drug Coverage?

Medicare Part D helps cover prescription medications. You can get Part D through a stand-alone prescription drug plan with Original Medicare, or prescription coverage may be included in a Medicare Advantage plan.

How We Help You Get Started With Medicare

From understanding when to enroll to comparing your coverage choices, we'll guide you through the process and answer your questions along the way.

1

Understand Your Timeline

We help you understand important Medicare dates and when you may need to enroll.

2

Review What Matters to You

We look at your doctors, prescriptions, preferred hospitals and other coverage priorities.

3

Compare Your Options

We review Medicare plans from the insurance companies we represent and explain the differences clearly.

4

Get Help Enrolling

Once you've made your decision, your agent can help you complete the enrollment process and answer questions along the way.

Our Help Doesn't End After You Enroll.

If questions come up later or your Medicare needs change, you'll have someone you can call.

Talk With A Medicare Agent

Turning 65 Medicare FAQs

Get answers to common questions about Medicare enrollment, coverage and what happens when you turn 65.

Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?

Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare, while others need to sign up. This generally depends on whether you're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before you turn 65.

When should I apply for Medicare if I'm turning 65?

Your Initial Enrollment Period generally begins three months before the month you turn 65 and continues for three months afterward. Your individual situation can affect when you should enroll and when your Medicare coverage begins.

Do I need Medicare at 65 if I'm still working?

Not necessarily. If you or your spouse are still working and you have health coverage through an employer, you may be able to delay certain parts of Medicare without a late enrollment penalty. The rules can vary depending on your employer coverage and circumstances.

What Medicare coverage do I need when I turn 65?

Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. From there, you may consider a Medicare Advantage plan or stay with Original Medicare and consider additional coverage such as a Medicare Supplement plan and Part D prescription drug coverage.

How much does Medicare cost when you turn 65?

Medicare costs depend on several factors, including the coverage you choose and, in some cases, your income. Many people qualify for premium-free Part A, while Part B generally has a monthly premium. Additional plan premiums and out-of-pocket costs vary by coverage.

Can I get help comparing Medicare plans?

Yes. A licensed Medicare agent can explain the plans available in your area, compare options from the insurance companies they represent and answer questions about benefits, costs and coverage.

Do you help Medicare beneficiaries in New Mexico?

Yes. Vista Insurance Partners helps Medicare beneficiaries in New Mexico compare coverage options based on their doctors, prescriptions, healthcare needs and budget. For more detailed New Mexico-specific Medicare information and resources, visit our dedicated New Mexico Medicare website . You can also call (505) 622-4226 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

---

Have Questions About Your Medicare?

We're here to help! (505) 622-4226
✔ Local Medicare Expertise     ✔ Enrollment Assistance     ✔ Ongoing Support​

request free medicare review