Starting Medicare at 65

The year you turn 65 is a critical time for decisions that will impact your future health. Compass Health and Wealth is here to help you understand when and how to enroll in Medicare.

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Enrolling in Medicare at 65

For most people, Medicare eligibility begins at age 65. Understanding when to enroll and what coverage is available can help you avoid gaps in coverage and potential penalties.

Your Initial Enrollment Period is generally the best time to review your options and decide which coverage fits your healthcare needs.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday:


  • Begins 3 months before your birthday month
  • Includes your birthday month
  • Ends 3 months afterward


During this time, you can enroll in Parts A and B and consider Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medicare Supplement coverage.

Important Enrollment Considerations

Enrolling on time can help you avoid late penalties, particularly for Parts B and D. Your initial enrollment period may also provide important Medigap guaranteed issue rights.



Still working at 65? If you have qualifying employer coverage, you may be able to delay certain parts of Medicare and enroll later through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Automatic Enrollment & Late Penalties

If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits before age 65, you’ll generally be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.



If you aren’t automatically enrolled, be mindful of your deadlines. Delaying Part B or Part D without qualifying coverage may result in late enrollment penalties that can continue for as long as you have that coverage.

If you have questions about Medicare enrollment, reach out to us. It can be overwhelming to understand the ABCs of Medicare parts and enrollment windows, but that’s why we’re here! We look forward to helping you explore your Medicare options and choose with confidence.

Turning 65 Frequently Asked Questions

  • When should I start the enrollment process?

    Ideally, three months before your 65th birthday. That way your coverage starts on time and you avoid gaps or penalties.

  • Do I need to enroll in Medicare if I’m still working?

    Maybe. If your employer is a larger one (20 or more employees) and the health insurance they offer is considered “creditable,” you may delay enrollment in Part B and/or Part D. But if your company has fewer than 20 employees, then you will likely need to enroll in Medicare at 65. In this situation, Medicare is considered the primary payor, and your employer coverage is considered secondary.

  • How do I know if my drug plan is creditable?

    Your employer, VA, retiree plan, or union are required by CMS to provide written notice of creditable drug coverage each year. These letters should be sent out by October 15, before the start of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.

  • I’m already on Medicare. Do I need to do anything each year?

    It’s smart to review your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan each year with a licensed agent before the Annual Enrollment Period. Costs, coverage, and provider and pharmacy networks can change from year to year; we can help you decide whether to stick with your current plan or make changes. If you do nothing, your plan will automatically renew.

  • What if I miss my enrollment window?

    You may face penalties or delays in coverage. Contact us right away if you think you’ve missed it — we can help you look at your options and find out if you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

  • What if my Medicare Advantage or Part D plan leaves Medicare?

    If your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare drug plan (Part D) is ending its contract with Medicare or exiting your service area, you should receive a notice from your plan by October 2, explaining your options. You will also receive a notice from CMS, which will tell you how to find other plans in your area. You’ll be granted a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to choose a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan or return to Original Medicare (and join a separate drug plan if needed). This SEP typically occurs just after the Annual Enrollment Period and lasts from December 8 to the last day of February.


    Note:


    • If your Medicare Advantage plan ends and you don’t make a change by December 31, you will be put in Original Medicare on January 1. In that case, you won’t have coverage for prescription drugs unless you enroll in a Part D plan.

    • The SEP gives you “guaranteed issue” rights to enroll in a Medigap plan without medical review, meaning existing conditions can’t be cause for higher premiums or denial of coverage. You have this guaranteed issue right for 63 days following the last day of enrollment in your Medicare Advantage plan.

    It’s important to review your options so you don’t have a gap in coverage. We can help you compare plans.