When You’re Past 65: Medicare Timeline 

Enrolling in Medicare: What to Do and When to Do It 

When you start thinking about retiring or changing health care coverage, there are important steps to take. The timing of these steps is equally important. This timeline provides suggestions for how to stay on track. If you’re not yet 65, explore your options.

  • Before You Retire or Leave Your Current Health Plan 

    Be sure to allow yourself time—before you retire or leave your plan—to consider your options. Learn about Medicare and the different types of plans, talk to your employer about what they offer to retirees, or find out what you need to do when leaving a Marketplace plan.  

    First, go through your recent health care history to understand the coverage you’ll need. Ask yourself these questions: 

    • What did you pay in the past year (including premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance)? 
    • How many times did you go to the doctor? 
    • How many times did you stay in the hospital? 
    • Do you plan on traveling?
    • Who are your regular doctors, and what medications do you take? 

    Next, compare the different Medicare plans to find the coverage and premiums that work best for you:  

    Finally, make a list of options that seem best for you. You can also meet with one of our MVP Medicare Advisors, either one-on-one or at a free Medicare seminar. 

  • When You Retire or Leave Your Current Health Plan 

    Now’s the time to choose your Medicare plan. Start by enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B with the Social Security Administration. Be sure to do so within two months after your current coverage ends. 

    If you’re ready to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), we make it easy to enroll.

    If you haven’t chosen a plan yet, compare our plans to see which one best meets your needs. You can also request a Plan Benefit Kit.

  • Two Months After You Retire or Leave Your Current Health Plan 
    You must be enrolled in Medicare parts A, B, and D (or creditable coverage) by now to avoid paying late enrollment penalties. 
  • Making Changes 
    You have the option to change Medicare plans once a year during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). This period is from October 15 to December 7 each year. 

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Speak with an MVP Medicare Advisor  

To speak with an MVP Medicare Advisor, call 1-833-368-4565 (TTY 711). Advisors are available seven days a week, 8 am–8 pm Eastern time.