10 Steps to Take Before You Turn 65
Turning 65 is one of the most important financial milestones of your life. Work through these 10 steps and you’ll enroll in Medicare on time, avoid penalties, and feel confident about your coverage.
- 1
Know your Medicare enrollment window
Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month. Missing it can mean lifelong late-enrollment penalties.
- 2
Decide on Part A & Part B
Most people get premium-free Part A. Decide whether to take Part B now or delay it if you still have employer coverage — getting this wrong is costly.
- 3
Choose your path: Original Medicare vs. Advantage
The biggest decision. A licensed agent can compare real costs for your doctors and medications side by side — for free.
- 4
List your doctors and prescriptions
Write down every doctor and medication. It’s the key to choosing a plan that actually covers what you use.
- 5
Check Social Security timing
Claiming earlier means smaller checks for life; waiting increases them. Know your full retirement age before you choose.
- 6
Plan for any coverage gap
Retiring before benefits start? An ACA (“Obamacare”) plan with subsidies can bridge the gap affordably.
- 7
Review your prescription (Part D) coverage
Even if you take few medications now, going without Part D can trigger a permanent penalty later.
- 8
Protect your family with life insurance
Final-expense or term coverage keeps your loved ones from inheriting costs. It’s cheaper the younger and healthier you are.
- 9
Get ahead of retirement taxes
Withdrawals, RMDs, and Social Security can all be taxed. A quick tax review now can save you thousands later.
- 10
Put every deadline on the calendar
Enrollment windows, document deadlines, and start dates — write them down so nothing slips through the cracks.
Want help with any of these steps?
A licensed agent will walk you through it — free, no obligation. We speak English, Español & Português.
This guide is general educational information only and is not medical, legal, tax, or insurance advice. Edlando is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. For your specific situation, please consult a licensed professional or official sources such as Medicare.gov.