Turning 65? A Simple Guide to Signing Up for Medicare for the First Time

Turning 65 comes with important decisions, and Medicare is one of the biggest. Many people reach this point with questions like:

When am I required to enroll in Medicare?

Do I need Medicare if I’m still working?

What coverage options are available to me?

If this is your first time signing up, feeling unsure is normal. Medicare has specific rules and timelines, and understanding them early can help you avoid penalties and coverage gaps.

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals age 65 and older, as well as some younger people with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions.

For most people, Medicare enrollment begins around their 65th birthday and includes several parts, each designed to cover different types of care.

Understanding the Parts of Medicare

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) Part A helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health services. Most people qualify for Part A without a monthly premium.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, diagnostic tests, and durable medical equipment. Part B requires a monthly premium, which may vary based on income.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and combine Parts A and B into a single plan. Many include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing services.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) Part D provides coverage for prescription medications and is available through private insurance plans approved by Medicare.

When Should You Sign Up for Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the first opportunity to enroll in Medicare.

This enrollment window lasts seven months:

Three months before your 65th birthday month

The month you turn 65

Three months after your birthday month

Enrolling during this period helps ensure your coverage starts on time and helps you avoid late enrollment penalties.

What If You’re Still Working at 65?

If you’re still employed and covered by an employer health plan, you may have options.

Many people enroll in Part A when they turn 65 since it is often premium-free

You may be able to delay Part B without penalty if your employer coverage meets certain requirements

Whether you can delay coverage depends on your employer’s size and the type of insurance you have. Reviewing this carefully can help you avoid penalties later.

Common Medicare Enrollment Mistakes

First-time enrollees often make mistakes that can be costly over time, including:

Missing enrollment deadlines

Assuming Medicare covers all healthcare expenses

Delaying prescription drug coverage when it’s needed

Choosing a plan without reviewing all available options

These issues can result in lifelong penalties or unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

How to Sign Up for Medicare

Most people enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) through Social Security. Enrollment can typically be completed online, by phone, or in person.

After enrolling, you’ll decide whether to:

Add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, or

Choose a Medicare Advantage plan, and

Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, if applicable

This is often where guidance is most helpful, especially for first-time enrollees.

Get Help With Your Medicare Decision

Choosing Medicare coverage is an important decision, and your health needs, medications, budget, and location all play a role.

At EnrollMedicare.com, we help individuals turning 65:

Understand their Medicare choices

Avoid enrollment mistakes

Select coverage that fits their situation

If you’re approaching 65 or already in your enrollment window, getting support now can make the process much easier.