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What Do I Have To With Medicare 3 Months Before My 65th Birthday?

What Are People Asking?

● Do I need to enroll in Medicare right now?
● When does my enrollment window actually begin?
● Should I contact Social Security or enroll online?
● Do I need to choose a plan before my birthday month?

Key Takeaways

● The 3-month period before your 65th birthday is the start of your Initial Enrollment Period
● This is the action phase of the Medicare timeline, not just learning
● Enrolling at the right time helps avoid delays and penalties
● Your current coverage and work status still play a major role in what you should do

The 3-Month Mark: The Medicare Action Window Begins

At three months before your 65th birthday month, your Initial Enrollment Period officially begins. This is one of the most important checkpoints in the entire Medicare timeline.
Unlike the earlier phases (awareness, discovery, and learning), this stage is where preparation turns into action — but thoughtful action, not rushed decisions.

Understanding the 7-Month Initial Enrollment Period

Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period lasts for 7 months total:
● 3 months before your 65th birthday month
● Your birthday month
● 3 months after your birthday month
Enrolling during the first three months before your birthday month can help ensure your coverage starts on time. Waiting too long may delay your coverage start date.

Step 1: Confirm Whether You Will Be Automatically Enrolled

Not everyone is automatically enrolled in Medicare. You are typically automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B if you are already receiving Social Security benefits.
If you are not collecting Social Security, you will usually need to enroll yourself — often through the Social Security website (SSA.gov). This is a key detail many people misunderstand.

Step 2: Review Your Current Coverage One More Time

Before enrolling, it is critical to revisit your existing insurance.
Ask yourself:
● Am I still working and covered by employer insurance?
● Is my coverage considered creditable?
● Will my employer plan remain primary after age 65?
For some individuals, especially those with large employer coverage, delaying certain parts of Medicare may be appropriate.

Step 3: Decide Which Parts of Medicare Apply to You

At this stage, you do not necessarily need to finalize every coverage choice, but you should understand:
● Part A (Hospital Coverage)
● Part B (Medical Coverage)
● Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
● Medicare Supplement (Medigap) vs. Medicare Advantage
Clarity on these options prevents last-minute confusion.

Step 4: Prepare Your Doctor and Medication List

This is the ideal time to organize practical information, including:
● Your preferred doctors and specialists
● Current prescriptions and pharmacies
● Expected healthcare usage
These real-life details will guide better Medicare decisions than general assumptions.

Step 5: Avoid Last-Minute Decisions Driven by Mail or Advertising

As you approach age 65, marketing and mail solicitations often increase significantly. While some information may be helpful, making rushed decisions based solely on advertisements can lead to confusion.
A structured, timeline-based approach is far more effective.

How This Stage Fits Into the 12-Month Medicare Roadmap

Following the Week 4 preparation timeline:
● 12 months out: Awareness
● 9–10 months out: Coverage review
● 9–7 months out: Discovery phase
● 6–8 months out: Asking the right questions
● 3 months before 65: Enrollment action window
Each step builds toward a smoother and more confident transition into Medicare.

What You Should NOT Do at the 3-Month Mark

Even though this is an action phase, it does not mean you must rush into the first plan you see.
You should avoid:
● Panic enrollment without understanding your options
● Ignoring how Medicare coordinates with employer coverage
● Waiting until after your birthday month without a plan
Balanced, informed action is the goal.

Q & A: 3 Months Before Turning 65

Do I have to enroll exactly 3 months before my birthday?

No, but enrolling early can help ensure your coverage begins on time.

Yes. Many individuals enroll through the Social Security website (SSA.gov).

You may be able to delay certain parts of Medicare, depending on whether your coverage is creditable.

Yes. The Initial Enrollment Period is one of the most critical timelines for avoiding delays and penalties.

A Confident Action Takeaway

Three months before turning 65 is not a time for panic — it is a time for organized action.
When you confirm your enrollment status, review your coverage, and understand your options during this window, Medicare becomes a structured transition rather than a last-minute obligation.

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:
  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
    hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
    coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
    potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
    out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
    copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
    three months before your 65th birthday month.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
    each year for those who missed their IEP.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
    allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
    plans.
  • Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
    those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
  • Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
    calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
    new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare?
It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.
No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.
There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.
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