Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2025
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by Sabrinah Cave
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0 Comments
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Turning 65 is a milestone, and it comes with important choices about your healthcare. If you’re a baby boomer turning 65, Medicare enrollment is one of the biggest decisions you’ll face in retirement. But with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you’re asking, “Which Medicare plan should I choose?” or wondering “When do I apply for Medicare?”, this guide breaks down the essentials so you can make confident choices and avoid common mistakes. Here are 6 Medicare tips for boomers turning 65:
1. Understand Your 7-Month Medicare Enrollment Window
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and ends three months after. That’s a 7-month window to enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage), also known as Original Medicare.
For many, this is the first opportunity to enroll in Medicare. Missing this window can lead to penalties and delays in coverage. Some boomers who are turning 65 aren’t aware of this deadline until it’s too late.
✅ Pro tip: Start researching your Medicare options 4 months before your 65th birthday.
2. Still Working and turning 65? You Might Not Need to Enroll Yet
If you’re employed, have employer-sponsored coverage, or you’re covered under a union or government plan, you may be able to delay enrolling in Part B without penalty.
This is key for anyone turning 65 who asks, “When do I apply for Medicare if I’m still working?” Always double-check with your benefits administrator to ensure your coverage qualifies as “creditable” in Medicare’s eyes to avoid penalties down the road.
3. Which Plan Should I Choose: Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage?
Most people turning 65 have two main Medicare choices:
Option A: Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement + Part D
- Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B.
- A Medicare Supplement (aka Medigap) acts as secondary coverage to pay costs like deductibles and copays that Original Medicare does not cover.
- You can add drug coverage through a stand-alone Prescription Drug plan (Part D)
Medicare Supplement plans allow you to visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. (and its territories) that accepts Original Medicare.
Option B: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Combines hospital, medical, and usually prescription drug coverage under one plan. Replaces Original Medicare with a private insurance plan.
- Often includes extras like vision, dental, or hearing.
- Network plans, like HMOs or PPOs, may have rules on which providers you can use your coverage with (except in emergency situations).
Still asking “Which Medicare plan should I choose?” Let your budget, doctor preferences, and travel habits guide your decision.
4. Medicare Advantage Plans: Read the Fine Print
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and vary widely. Some have $0 premiums—but that doesn’t mean $0 cost.
You’ll still pay copays, deductibles, and possibly more for out-of-network care. Be sure to compare:
- Provider networks
- Drug coverage (formulary)
- Cost-sharing
- Maximum out-of-pocket limits
If you’re a boomer turning 65, don’t assume all Medicare Advantage plans are the same!
5. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans Are Standardized
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans are standardized in most states. For example, Plan G offers the same core benefits no matter which company you buy from, which makes comparisons easier.
This means you can shop based on cost and customer service, not coverage differences. Medigaps may be suitable for those who want predictable costs and national provider access.
6. Don’t Forget About the Part B Premium
No matter which route you take, Medicare Advantage or Medigap, you still need to pay the Part B monthly premium. The standard Part B premium applies to most, unless your income is higher.
Add this into your retirement budget alongside any plan-specific premiums. Even with a Medicare Advantage plan that boasts a $0 monthly premium, Part B still applies.
Get Medicare Help from People You Can Trust
Turning 65? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you’re trying to decide “Which Medicare plan should I choose?” or overwhelmed by options, AMAC’s licensed Medicare Advisors are here to provide free Medicare help.
We’ll walk you through your options, explain the pros and cons of each, and answer all your Medicare questions. Get clear, honest answers and personalized guidance. No pressure. No insurance jargon. Just real Medicare help from experts who understand what matters most.
For help with Medicare plans – or any questions you may have about Medicare – contact AMAC’s Medicare Advisory Service at 1-855-611-4856 or request a quote below.
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