Turning 65 comes with plenty of milestones. Medicare is usually one of them, and if you've started receiving Medicare mail, seeing television commercials, or hearing advice from friends who have already gone through it, you may be wondering:

Where do I even start?

That's a very normal question. I help people throughout Arizona navigate Medicare, and one thing I've learned is that the process feels much easier when you start before you're facing a deadline.

You don't need to become a Medicare expert. You just need to understand your timeline, know which questions apply to your situation, and have good information before you make a decision.

Here's where I recommend starting.

Start About Three to Six Months Before Your 65th Birthday

You don't necessarily need to enroll six months early, but this is a good time to begin learning.

First, figure out what your situation will look like when you turn 65.

Ask yourself:

• Will I still be working?

• Will my spouse still be working?

• Will I have employer health insurance?

• Am I already receiving Social Security benefits?

• Am I retiring around my 65th birthday?

• Do I contribute to an HSA?

• Do I have VA or TRICARE benefits?

• What prescription medications do I take?

• Which doctors and specialists do I want to continue seeing?

• Do I travel frequently or spend part of the year outside Arizona?

Those answers matter because Medicare isn't exactly the same journey for everyone.

Understand Your Initial Enrollment Period

For most people, the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window surrounding their 65th birthday.

It generally begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and continues for three months afterward.

But when your coverage begins can depend on when you enroll, so waiting until the last minute isn't always the best strategy.

There are also exceptions and different rules for people who qualify for Medicare before 65.

This is one reason I encourage people to start asking questions early rather than trying to figure everything out during their birthday month.

You May Be Enrolled Automatically. Or You May Not.

This surprises people. Some individuals who are already receiving Social Security benefits when they become eligible for Medicare may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Others need to enroll themselves. Don't assume either way.

As your 65th birthday approaches, find out what applies to your situation.

Still Working at 65? Don't Automatically Assume You Need to Retire or Drop Your Insurance

This is another conversation I have frequently. Turning 65 does not automatically mean you have to retire, and having employer coverage doesn't automatically mean you should ignore Medicare.

The rules can depend on your employer coverage and circumstances. Before making changes to employer insurance, talk with your benefits administrator and understand how your existing coverage works with Medicare.

This is especially important if you or your spouse plans to continue working past 65.

Know the Basic Pieces of Medicare

You don't need to memorize everything, but it helps to understand the vocabulary.

Medicare Part A generally covers inpatient hospital care and certain other services.

Medicare Part B generally covers physician services, outpatient care, preventive services, and other medically necessary services.

Together, Parts A and B are commonly called Original Medicare.

From there, people may consider additional coverage, which can include Medicare Advantage, Medicare prescription drug coverage, and Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly called Medigap.

This is usually the point where people tell me:

"Okay Sandra, now I'm confused."

That's okay. You don't have to understand every option before asking for help.

Make Your Own Medicare List

Before comparing anything, make a simple list.

Your doctors

Include your primary care physician and any specialists you see regularly.

Your prescriptions

Write down the medication, dosage, and how often you take it.

Your preferred pharmacy

This can matter when evaluating prescription drug coverage.

Your healthcare priorities

Do you travel frequently?

Spend summers somewhere other than Arizona?

Want access to particular doctors or facilities?

Have regular specialist appointments?

Prefer predictable costs?

There isn't one Medicare choice that's right for everyone.

Your coverage needs to make sense for your life.

New to Arizona? Add One More Step

Southern Arizona attracts retirees from all over the country.

I regularly meet people who have moved to Green Valley, Sahuarita, Tucson, or another Arizona community shortly before or after becoming eligible for Medicare.

If that's you, welcome to Arizona!

Just remember that your move and your Medicare eligibility are two things worth looking at together.

Depending on the type of coverage you have or are considering, location can affect plan availability, provider networks, pharmacies and other factors.

That's especially important if you're splitting your time between Arizona and another state.

I've written more about this in my Did Your Medicare Move With You? guide, which I recommend reading if you're relocating.

Be Careful About Taking Medicare Advice From Friends

Your neighbor may love their Medicare coverage.

Your sister in Ohio may love hers.

Your golf partner may tell you exactly what you should choose.

They mean well.

But their doctors aren't necessarily your doctors.

Their prescriptions aren't necessarily your prescriptions.

Their budget isn't your budget.

And someone living in another state or even another Arizona county may have different plan options available.

Ask friends about their experiences.

Just don't assume their answer should automatically become yours.

What If You're Already 65 and Haven't Done Any of This?

Don't panic.

Your next step depends on your individual situation.

You may have employer coverage. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. You may already have Medicare. Or there may be another enrollment situation that applies to you.

This is exactly when I'd recommend asking questions rather than making assumptions.

You Don't Have to Figure Medicare Out Alone

One of my favorite parts of what I do is sitting down with someone who begins the conversation by saying:

"I don't even know what I'm supposed to ask."

That's perfectly fine.

We start there.

My job isn't to pressure you into choosing something.

It's to help you understand Medicare, look at the options available to you, and make an informed decision that fits your circumstances.

Sometimes that takes an hour.

Sometimes someone just needs one question answered.

Both are welcome.

Turning 65 Medicare Checklist

If your 65th birthday is approaching, start here:

3–6 months before

☐ Determine whether you'll continue working
☐ Review employer or spouse coverage
☐ Find out whether you'll be automatically enrolled
☐ Learn the basics of Parts A and B
☐ Make a list of doctors and specialists
☐ Make a current prescription list
☐ Think about travel and seasonal residency
☐ Write down your questions

3 months before

☐ Confirm your Medicare enrollment timeline
☐ Determine whether you need to enroll yourself
☐ Understand your additional coverage choices
☐ Compare options based on your individual needs
☐ Ask questions before making decisions

And most importantly:

Don't wait until you're overwhelmed to ask for help.

Turning 65 in Green Valley or Southern Arizona?

I'm Sandra Reith, a licensed Medicare broker and veteran based in Green Valley, Arizona.

I help people who are turning 65, retiring, moving to Arizona, and reviewing existing Medicare coverage throughout Green Valley, Sahuarita, Southern Arizona, and communities across Arizona.

If your 65th birthday is approaching, you're welcome to call me at 520-909-3677.

And if you're local, you don't even need an appointment.

Medicare Walk-In Hours

Tuesday & Wednesday
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Walgreens
375 W. Continental Road
Green Valley, Arizona

Stop by with your questions.

Sometimes the best place to start is simply having a conversation.

FAQs

When should I start preparing for Medicare if I'm turning 65?

A good time to begin learning and gathering information is several months before your 65th birthday. Your Initial Enrollment Period generally begins three months before the month you turn 65.

Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?

Not everyone is automatically enrolled. Automatic enrollment can depend on whether you're already receiving certain Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. If you aren't automatically enrolled, you may need to sign up.

Do I need Medicare if I'm still working at 65?

It depends on your circumstances and current employer coverage. Before delaying Medicare or changing employer coverage, understand how your current insurance coordinates with Medicare.

Can I keep my doctor when I go on Medicare?

That depends partly on the type of Medicare coverage you choose and whether your provider accepts Medicare or participates in a particular plan's network. Checking your doctors before choosing coverage is an important step.

Does moving to Arizona affect Medicare?

Original Medicare generally can be used with participating providers throughout the United States, while Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plan availability and networks can vary by location. A permanent move may also create a Special Enrollment Period in certain circumstances.

Does everyone turning 65 choose the same Medicare coverage?

No. Healthcare needs, prescriptions, doctors, finances, travel patterns, and available coverage can differ significantly from person to person.