What You Need to Know Before You Turn 65

Why This Matters:

Turning 65 isn’t just a birthday milestone — it’s a turning point that affects your healthcare, finances, and retirement.

If you don’t plan ahead, you could make Medicare mistakes that lock you into penalties, limited coverage, or missed benefits for the rest of your life. Therefore, planning early is not just smart — it’s essential.

So, what exactly do you need to know? Let’s break it down clearly, step by step.

1. You Have a Medicare Enrollment Window — And It’s Easy to Miss

You can enroll in Medicare starting 3 months before your 65th birthday — and the window closes 3 months after. However, if you miss this period, you could pay late penalties for life. In fact, this is one of the most common Medicare mistakes people make.

Tip: Even if you’re still working, you may need to enroll in Part A. Alternatively, you may want to delay Part B strategically so you don’t pay for coverage you don’t yet need.

2. You Must Decide: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

At this stage, you’ll need to make an important decision. On one hand, Original Medicare offers nationwide access to providers. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage often includes extra benefits like drug coverage but can limit your doctor options.

Each option comes with pros and cons. As a result, the wrong choice can increase your out-of-pocket costs or even lock you out of switching plans later.

Not sure which is right for you? In that case, it’s wise to get expert help so you can compare your options effectively. Book a call here »

3. Retirement Finances Start Taking Shape Now

Turning 65 also impacts your financial picture. For instance, this is the time to:

• Estimate your Social Security benefits

• Review 401(k) withdrawals and tax implications

• Understand how Medicare costs will fit into your retirement budget

Additionally, don’t leave your financial future to guesswork. A little preparation now can help you avoid stress later. In contrast, failing to plan could leave you facing unexpected expenses.

4. Dental, Vision, and Hearing Aren’t Covered by Medicare

It may surprise you, but Medicare does not cover everything. Specifically, it won’t pay for:

• Routine dental cleanings

• Glasses

• Hearing aids

Therefore, you’ll need to consider supplemental plans to cover what Medicare doesn’t. Otherwise, you might face significant out-of-pocket expenses for these essential services. In addition, these gaps often catch people off guard, so it’s better to prepare in advance.

5. You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Finally, remember this: Medicare can feel overwhelming. Nevertheless, you don’t have to go it alone. We’ve helped hundreds of people just like you make confident, informed decisions before they turned 65.

Furthermore, having a trusted guide can save you from stress and costly mistakes.

Ready to Feel Confident About What’s Next?

Book a free, no-pressure appointment with one of our licensed Medicare agents.

You’ll walk away with:

• A clear, customized Medicare roadmap.

• Answers to all your questions.

• Peace of mind about what lies ahead.

Click here to schedule your appointment now.