Your Checklist to Turning 65

Today, we’re going to talk about Medicare. If you’re reading this, you are likely either near age 65, or you’re ready to start Medicare. Regardless, I am here to simplify the process for you!

I put this checklist together because many clients have told me that it’s often a confusing and overwhelming process.

Here is my 7-step checklist for determining if Medicare is right for you and the next steps to take. 

1. The first decision you need to make- are you going to start on Medicare? 
   • If the answer is yes, you’re in the right place. Read on for more tips! 
   • If the answer is no, make sure you decline your Part B coverage, otherwise you will be charged monthly premiums. Once you do that, you should be good to go.
2. If you said “Yes- I’m ready for Medicare!”: here’s what you need to do next. 3 months prior to your 65th birthday you need to request Part B via ssa.gov.
   
   If you’re already drawing social security, you will automatically be enrolled in Part B and Medicare will begin on the first day of your birthday month.
3. Once Part B is requested you need to decide how you are going to cover your health coverage.
   
   As a reminder, your Medicare card will cover 80% of your health costs, so it is your job to find a way to cover the additional 20%. See my blog about Medicare for more details on this. 
4. Typically, you have two options for covering the additional 20%: Original Medicare (supplement) or Medicare Advantage.
   
   Don’t know the difference? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
   • With Original Medicare you will pay a monthly premium, and in turn you do not pay additional copays.
   • With Medicare Advantage, you don’t pay monthly premiums, however you pay copays each time you go to the doctor. Compare here. 
5. We realize this is often one of the hardest decisions to choose between. Feel free to contact us for a free personalized side-by-side comparison.
   Things you may want to consider during this time are medications, doctors, max out of pockets, future insurability, and travel.
6. In order to enroll in either Medicare plan, you will need a certified Agent to help you out.
   You can book time on our calendar or give us a call to set that up.
7. On the first day of the month of your birthday, your Medicare coverage will begin! 

I know Medicare decisions are complicated and often confusing. Even after reading this checklist, I still recommend reaching out to a professional. The process is a complicated one and it is easy to find yourself overpaying or paying for something you don’t need. 

Written By: Morgan Fisher