I'm Turning 65
Turning 65 opens a set of benefit enrollments — some with hard deadlines that, if missed, result in permanent penalties. Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period runs from 3 months before your birthday to 3 months after. Social Security has no deadline but the timing decision significantly affects your lifetime benefits.
What to do — in order
Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window: 3 months before your birth month, your birth month, and 3 months after. Part A (hospital) is usually premium-free. Part B (outpatient) costs ~$174/month in 2024. If you have employer insurance, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty — but confirm with your HR department. Enroll at ssa.gov or a local SSA office.
Medicare program page →Consider whether to claim Social Security now or wait
You can claim Social Security retirement benefits as early as 62 (at a reduced rate) or as late as 70 (at the maximum rate). Each year you delay past 62 increases your monthly benefit by 5-8%. At 65, your benefit is about 86% of your full benefit (full retirement age is 66-67 depending on birth year). The decision depends on your health, other income, and whether you are still working.
Social Security program page →Apply for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) if your income is limited
Extra Help pays for most or all of your Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. If your income is below 150% FPL, you likely qualify. Apply at ssa.gov or through your state Medicaid agency. This can save $5,000+ per year in drug costs.
Extra Help program page →Check if you qualify for Medicaid to supplement Medicare
If your income is low, you may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid — called "dual eligibility." Medicaid covers Medicare's premiums, deductibles, and copays, making your healthcare effectively free. Apply through your state Medicaid agency.
How to apply for Medicaid →Look into SNAP and other senior programs
Many seniors qualify for SNAP but do not apply. If your income is below 130% FPL, you likely qualify. Seniors also benefit from LIHEAP (utility assistance), Meals on Wheels (if you have mobility limitations), and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
Benefits for seniors →Programs that may apply to your situation
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss my Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?
Missing your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period results in a permanent 10% Part B premium increase for each full 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled — unless you had qualifying employer coverage. This penalty lasts for the rest of your life. Enroll on time even if you are not sure you will use Medicare right away.
Should I take Social Security at 65 or wait until 70?
It depends on your health and financial situation. Waiting increases your monthly benefit by about 8% per year from full retirement age to age 70. The break-even point between taking benefits early vs. waiting is typically around age 77-80. If you need the income now or have serious health issues, taking benefits at 65 may make more sense.
I'm still working at 65. Do I need to enroll in Medicare?
If you have employer insurance through your own (or spouse's) current employer with 20+ employees, you can delay Medicare Part B without penalty until that coverage ends. You then have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes your primary insurance at 65 and you should enroll.
What is Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers hospital and outpatient care. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is private insurance that combines Parts A and B — often with extra benefits like dental and vision — through a network of providers. You cannot have both simultaneously. Compare plans each year during the October 15 – December 7 Annual Enrollment Period.
If you are denied
Every major program has an appeal process. A denial is not the end — many are reversed on appeal. See our Appeals Guide for program-specific deadlines and strategies.