Simple Medicare Checklist For Turning 65

So, you’re turning 65 soon. You’ve come a long way in life and have gained valuable wisdom and experiences in life. However, making decisions about Medicare may not seem straightforward- with all the choices, getting set up can be a bit intimidating. That is where having a local insurance agent can be valuable. Here at Choice City Health, we have made a full-time job of working with folks either turning 65 or preparing to retire and start Medicare. We’ve created a simple-to-understand Medicare checklist for turning 65 for those who are new to Medicare 


As a reminder, Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides benefits for those older than 65, under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people of all ages with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis, or a kidney transplant.


There are four parts to Medicare coverage: A, B, C and D (learn more about this here). We suggest that you start considering the following information 6 months prior to turning 65 so that you do not miss any deadlines that could cause increased costs and other consequences moving forward.


Medicare Checklist #1: Insurance Prior to 65

Depending on if and/or what type of health insurance you’re enrolled in before turning 65, your deadline to sign up for Medicare will differ. For example, if you are drawing your Social Security benefits before 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare part A and B. However, you have the right to turn down part B if you do not want it, and that could save you a lot of money if you don’t need it. 


If you aren’t collecting Social Security by 65 or you’re using your company’s insurance, then it’s up to you to manually sign up for Medicare. The Federal Government will not alert you of any deadlines and missing one could lead to higher premiums and even declined coverage based on your health. Our team of insurance advisors can help you with your Medicare checklist and understanding all the options and deadlines you need to know so that you can make the right choice for you without being penalized.


#2: Learn Your Deadlines

Over 760,000 Medicare enrollees are paying enrollment penalties – don’t let yourself be added to the list. These penalties don’t go away, but can be avoided by meeting deadlines.


Don’t be hard on yourself for not knowing deadlines – you’re not alone. If you’re not collecting Social Security before 65, the government won’t notify you regarding the deadlines (as of 2016, 40% of citizens aren’t claiming SS by 65).


Researching deadlines or meeting with a professional Medicare advisor is key for your Medicare checklist for turning 65 if you want to avoid irreversible penalties.


#3: Understand Your Options

Medicare has four parts: A, B, C, and D. They all involve different things: hospital care, medical care, Medicare Advantage, and drug coverage. If you start collecting early social security retirement while you’re working and have employer coverage, you may be automatically enrolled in part B without necessarily needing it or if you’re on an employer plan and miss a deadline to sign up for part C or D.


Understanding all your options and what they entail will help you make the best-educated decision for your lifestyle (and wallet). Putting this off could lead to unnecessary stress and costs that you’ll carry with you. We hope that this Medicare checklist is a helpful guide to get you started.


Meeting with a Medicare Advisor will ensure that you are prepared, relaxed, and confident when it comes time for you to sign up. Choice City Health doesn’t charge any fees and is paid directly by the insurance carriers we represent. Our mission is to help you have a seamless experience that will give you all the tools and support a smooth transition into Medicare. 


#4: Refer to Our Medicare Checklist

Use Choice City Health’s actionable checklist below to make sure that your transition into Medicare is as stress-free as possible. The key is being prepared – you got this! If you have any questions or are looking to make the most confident choice in your plan, contact us at 970-407-9399 today for a free consultation. We look forward to meeting you.


7-10 months before your 65th birthday: 

  1. Review your current health plan
  2. Visit the Social Security Administration website (or call) to confirm your eligibility


4-6 months before your 65th birthday:

  1. Check with your health providers to see if they accept medicare
  2. Meet with a professional Medicare advisor to help you fully understand all of your options and decide on a plan that works best for you
  3. Get cost estimates for part B
  4. Get quotes for Medicare supplement insurance and learn about Medicare Advantage
  5. Understand the enrollment periods to avoid penalties


3 months before your 65th birthday:

  1. Continue to utilize your Medicare advisor as a resource to answer questions
  2. Enroll in Medicare part A. If you’re claiming Social Security, you should get your Medicare card in the mail
  3. Decide if you want to enroll in part B and/or C & D
  4. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your benefits knowing that you have made the right choice.
A happy couple traveling reinforces the idea of
By Dana Griffin April 2, 2026
Navigating Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options in Colorado? Learn about standardized Plans G and N, and how Colorado's unique rules impact your coverage.
By Dana Griffin March 15, 2026
Looking for a Medicare Advantage plan with a robust network of providers in Fort Collins? Learn how to evaluate network quality and doctor access without the guesswork.
By Dana Griffin March 11, 2026
Understand the difference between ER and Urgent Care coverage under Medicare. Learn how to save on costs with telehealth and urgent care centers in Fort Collins.
By Dana Griffin February 3, 2026
Already have your 2026 Medicare checklist? Don't miss these 3 critical factors when you compare Medicare Advantage plans and HMO insurance in Fort Collins.
By Dana Griffin December 10, 2025
Looking for Medicare help in Fort Collins? AEP is over, but your work isn't done. Use our 2026 checklist to review Urgent Care coverage, check your network, and finalize your health insurance plan.
By Dana Griffin December 2, 2025
Wondering about dental coverage with Medicare? Our 2026 guide explains your options, from Medicare Advantage plans to standalone dental insurance.
By Dana Griffin December 2, 2025
Don't let high deductibles or unexpected illness wipe out your savings. Learn how ancillary plans provide a direct cash benefit to cover costs and access the specialized care you need.
Elderly Asian couple reviewing finances together at a table, using laptop, tablet, and calculator.
By Dana Griffin September 19, 2025
Navigate the Medicare maze with our guide on Medigap vs Medicare Advantage. Discover cost differences, coverage benefits, and make informed health insurance choices.
prescription medicines
By Dana Griffin August 22, 2025
Deciding between HMO vs PPO? Explore this guide to understand their differences in terms of costs, flexibility, and coverage, helping you choose the right plan.
Happ drivi
By Dana Griffin July 31, 2025
SNP Benefits and Features SNPs offer several features that differentiate them from standard Medicare Advantage Plans: Customized Benefits: SNPs may include services like case management, disease-specific education, and access to specialists aligned with the member’s condition. Coordinated Care: Members are typically assigned a care coordinator to help manage treatments, medications, and appointments across multiple providers. Integrated Services: Especially in D-SNPs, plans often integrate Medicare and Medicaid services, which can simplify care in some areas. Prescription Drug Coverage: All SNPs must provide Medicare Part D coverage with formularies designed to meet the medical needs of their member population. When is Enrollment for an SNP? Enrollment in an SNP can occur during standard Medicare enrollment periods: Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7 each year Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 to March 31 (for those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan) Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) may also apply. For example, individuals who newly qualify for Medicaid or are diagnosed with a chronic condition that makes them eligible for a C-SNP may be able to join an SNP outside of the standard periods. Not all SNPs are available in every region. Plan offerings vary by county and state, and each plan has its own list of covered services and provider networks. It is important to compare available plans to determine whether a specific SNP meets your healthcare needs and eligibility. Contact one of our licensed insurance agents today for more information about SNPs or to see if a SNP could benefit you or any questions regarding Medicare Advantage Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 7 organizations that offer 58 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov , 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Show More