9 to 12 months before you turn 65

Confirm that you are eligible to receive Medicare benefits by calling the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.

Review your current health insurance policy to find out what happens with that coverage when you turn 65.

Research options for coverage to help protect yourself from costs not included in Medicare coverage.

4 to 8 months before you turn 65

Become familiar with Medicare and its various parts: A, B, C, and D.

Ask your doctor if they accept Medicare or participate in other Medicare plans.

Sign-up for coverage to help protect yourself from costs not included in Medicare coverage.

1 to 3 months before you turn 65

Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B – if you do not receive your automatic enrollment information in the mail, contact the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.

Sign up for Social Security if you have decided to take early Social Security benefits (Note: it usually takes three months after you sign up before you begin receiving benefits).

If your spouse and/or dependent are covered under your employer’s plan, make arrangements for him or her to have coverage after you have Medicare.

Happy 65th Birthday!

If you have not received your Medicare card in the mail, call the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.

Make sure your physician’s office has a copy of your Medicare Card and any supplement plan you may have signed up for.

References:

https://www.medicare.gov

MUC25-2016-BCBS