Turning 65 comes with a stack of mail and a lot of noise. Here’s the same information, in order, without the noise.

Six months out

  • Mark your Initial Enrollment Period. It runs seven months: the three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the three months after.
  • Check how you’ll get Part A and Part B. If you’re already receiving Social Security, enrollment is usually automatic. If not, you’ll sign up through Social Security when the time comes.
  • List your doctors, prescriptions, and pharmacy. Every good plan decision starts with this list — it’s the first thing we go through together.

Three months out

  • Decide about Part B timing. Most people take it at 65. If you’re still working with employer coverage — or you have VA or TRICARE benefits — the right timing can differ. This is worth a conversation before you decide.
  • Choose your path: Original Medicare (often with a Medigap policy and a Part D drug plan) or a Medicare Advantage plan. Each fits different lives — there’s no one right answer.

Your birthday month

  • Confirm your coverage started and your cards arrived.
  • Double-check your prescriptions filled correctly under the new coverage.

After you enroll

  • I’m here to stay by your side — today and in the future.

None of this has to be done alone — I’m here to walk you through it.