Turning 65 and New to Medicare?
If you’re turning 65 soon, you’re becoming eligible for Medicare — and you’ll have important decisions to make. The good news? With the right guidance, Medicare doesn’t have to be confusing.
YourMedicareMN helps Minnesotans understand their options, enroll on time, and choose coverage that fits their health needs and budget.
When Can You Enroll in Medicare?
Your first opportunity to enroll is called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). It lasts 7 months:
- 3 months before your 65th birthday
- Your birthday month
- 3 months after your birthday month
Enrolling on time is important to avoid lifetime late penalties and gaps in coverage.
Understanding the Parts of Medicare
Medicare is made up of different parts. Each one covers different services.
Part A – Hospital Coverage
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and limited home health care.
Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A.
Part B – Medical Coverage
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, and medical equipment.
Part B has a monthly premium and typically covers about 80% of approved services.
Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps pay for medications. Plans vary by pharmacy networks, drug lists, and costs — choosing the right one can save you hundreds or even thousands per year.
Part C – Medicare Advantage
Also known as Medicare Advantage, Part C is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company. These plans must cover everything Parts A and B cover and often include:
- Prescription drug coverage
- Dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- Fitness or wellness programs
These plans use provider networks and may have lower upfront premiums but different out-of-pocket structures.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medigap plans work with Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to help pay out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Benefits include:
- Predictable costs
- Freedom to see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare
- No referrals required
Medigap plans do not include drug coverage, so a separate Part D plan is needed.
Two Main Coverage Paths at 65
After enrolling in Parts A and B, most people choose one of these two directions:
Option 1: Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
- Nationwide provider access
- Lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care
- Separate drug plan
Option 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- All-in-one coverage
- Extra benefits like dental and vision
- Provider networks and cost-sharing as you use care
The best fit depends on your doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, and budget.
Still Working at 65?
If you or your spouse have coverage through an employer, you may not need to enroll in Part B right away. The rules depend on the size of the employer and whether the coverage is considered creditable.
Making the wrong move here can lead to permanent penalties, so it’s important to review your situation before delaying enrollment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing your enrollment window
- Assuming Medicare covers everything
- Choosing a plan without checking your prescriptions
- Not confirming your doctors are in-network
- Delaying Part B without understanding employer rules
Get Local Help — At No Extra Cost
Working with YourMedicareMN does not increase your plan costs. You get:
✔ Clear explanations in plain language
✔ Help comparing plans available in Minnesota
✔ Prescription and doctor network checks
✔ Enrollment support
✔ Ongoing help after you enroll
Let’s Make Turning 65 Easier
You only turn 65 once — but Medicare decisions can affect your coverage and costs for years.
Schedule a free, no-pressure Medicare consultation today with YourMedicareMN.
Let’s build a plan you can feel confident about.
📞 612-361-9367
📍 Serving all of Minnesota
💻 Phone and virtual appointments available