How Do I Enroll in Medicare at Age 65? A Step-by-Step Guide from a Medicare Expert

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So, you’re turning 65? Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve earned this milestone, and now it’s time to unlock the benefits of Medicare. But let’s be honest—navigating Medicare enrollment can feel like trying to read ancient hieroglyphics. Confusing letters (A, B, C, D), deadlines, and penalties—oh my!

As a Medicare expert, I’ve helped countless people like you smoothly enroll in Medicare at age 65, avoid costly mistakes, and choose the right Medicare plan for their unique needs. I can do it in my sleep.

So, if you’re wondering, “How do I enroll in Medicare at age 65?” Let’s break it down in a fun, easy-to-understand way!

Step 1: Determine If You’re Automatically Enrolled

If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, guess what? Medicare is automatic! You’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday. No paperwork, no stress. 🎉

However, if you do not want Part B because you are on an employer health plan, you will need to notify Social Security that you wish to cancel your Part B for the time being. You can activate it later when you go on Medicare completely. Most people keep Part A for the hospital because it doesn’t cost anything.

Over the years, I have had a few people enroll in both Part A and B while on an employer health plan. They mistakenly think they are double covered or Medicare will somehow fill in some gaps. Unfortunately, it does not work that way. Medicare is secondary to the employer plan and seldom coordinates benefits.  In other words, Part B does nothing, and the money you pay is wasted.

I recently had someone in the office who had paid the Part B premium for seven years. I was sad as I explained how the whole process worked to them.

But if you haven’t received your Social Security benefits yet, you’ll need to do so soon! Keep reading.

Step 2: Know Your Medicare Enrollment Periods

If you’ve ever asked yourself, how do I enroll in Medicare at age 65 without missing deadlines?—this part is crucial! Medicare isn’t like signing up for Netflix—you can’t just enroll anytime you want. Here are the key deadlines:

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)—This is your golden window! It lasts seven months: three months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and three months after. I recommend enrolling as early as possible. Social Security and Medicare are both very inefficient. Their systems are antiquated, and they may have incorrect information on you.

    Social Security Administration (SSA) had the wrong first name the first time it happened to a client. His name was Greg, not Gregory. He had to get an original birth certificate and mail it to Social Security. The processing lasted several months, and he almost missed his enrollment deadline.

    Another client, Bill, had moved three years before because of a divorce, and SSA still had his ex-wife’s address for him.  That was a simple fix.

    The next person was a naturalized citizen. SSA had the wrong serial number for her naturalization, so Doris needed to give SSA the correct information from her documents. Of course, all of this took time to process.

  • ⚠️ Miss this window? You could face lifelong penalties and delays—yikes! Unless you have an employer health plan that is as good as Medicare. Then you may defer enrolling in Part B indefinitely without penalty.

  • Special Enrollment Period (SEP) – If you’re still working and have employer coverage, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when you retire or lose that coverage.

    Social Security requires the completion of specific forms to verify continuous health coverage from an employer plan.  Once verified, you have special enrollment window to activate Part B to go completely on Medicare.

    We help clients complete these forms are a regular basis.

  • General Enrollment Period (GEP)—Didn’t sign up on time? You can enroll between January 1 and March 31. Coverage will start the following month, but you may have late enrollment penalties for Part B and Part D.

How Do I Enroll in Medicare Part A
How Do I Enroll in Medicare at 65

Step 3: How To Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B at Age 65?

Now that you know when to enroll, where do you do it?

  • ✅ Online: The easiest way! Visit www.ssa.gov/medicare and apply in minutes.  Under the APPLY header is a link to “Sign Up for Medicare.”  Click the link and follow the prompts.  You’ll need a smartphone that gets texts and emails to create your MySocialSecurity online account if you do not currently have one.  You will need to have an email associated with your online accounts.  SSA will send you one-time codes to verify your identity to prevent fraud on your account.

  • ✅ Phone: Call Social Security at 800-772-1213 (hold music included for free 🎵). The problem with calling is that they will set up a phone appointment for several months in the future. You cannot call and enroll in the same call.

  • ✅ In-Person: Visit your local Social Security office (bring patience—it can be busy!). The problem with visiting the Omaha, Lincoln, or Council Bluffs SSA office is they are currently closed for drop in appointments for Medicare. They will recommend you call and set up a phone appointment, supposedly under staffed.

Step 4: Understand Your Medicare Coverage

Understanding the different parts of Medicare is key when asking, how do I enroll in Medicare at age 65 and make the right choices? Medicare isn’t just one big program—it’s a buffet of options:

🔹 Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) – Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care. Most people get this free if they worked 10+ years.

🔹 Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) – Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies. You’ll pay a monthly premium (around $185 in 2025), but higher if you have a high income).

❗ Parts A & B = Original Medicare. But there’s more! ❗

You’ll also need to decide how to cover the gaps in Original Medicare. That’s where I come in!

Step 5: Choose the Right Medicare Insurance Plan

If you’ve been wondering, how do I enroll in Medicare at age 65 and ensure I have full coverage?—this is where people get overwhelmed. But don’t worry! I specialize in making Medicare simple and stress-free. You generally have two options:

🟢 Medicare Advantage (Part C) – All-in-one plans that bundle hospital, medical, and sometimes drug coverage. Many include extra benefits like dental, vision, and fitness programs. In the Omaha, Bellevue, Lincoln, & Council Bluffs metro areas, there are 23 Medicare Advantage/Part C plans. We can show all of them to you–impartially.

🔵 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Part D – Helps pay Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs. It fills in the gaps. You’ll also need a separate Part D plan for prescriptions. There are 100s of Medgap policies and 14 Medicare Part D prescription drug plans in the Omaha, Bellevue, Lincoln, & Council Bluffs metro areas. Let us show them all to you–impartially.

The best choice depends on your budget, health needs, and lifestyle—and that’s where I come in! I’ll help you compare plans, understand the fine print, and pick the right one for YOU.

During Medicare Annual Election Period (Oct 15–Dec 7), we will review your plan to make sure it is still the best fit. We do this for all of our clients each year.

Why You Need a Medicare Expert (That’s Me! 🙋‍♀️)

Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and choosing the wrong plan can cost you thousands. That’s why you need an expert by your side. Here’s how I help:

✅ I explain Medicare in plain English (no jargon, no confusion!).
✅ I compare ALL your options—not just one company.
✅ I help you avoid expensive mistakes and penalties.
✅ My services are 100% free (yep, insurance companies pay me, not you!).

Wouldn’t it feel great to have a trusted local guide through this process? Let’s make Medicare easy. 😊

How Do I Enroll in Medicare at age 65
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Let’s Get You Enrolled! 🚀

Your Medicare journey starts now! If you’ve been asking yourself, “How do I enroll in Medicare at age 65?” Let’s make sure you do it the right way. Don’t wait until the last minute—let’s chat and get you set up properly.

📞 Call/Text Me: 402-614-3389
📩 Email: Chris@OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
🌐 Schedule a Free Consultation: OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com

I can’t wait to help you make sense of Medicare and find the perfect plan for your needs. Let’s get started today! Speak with a licensed insurance agent professional about your Medicare needs.🎉