Turning 65 in Ohio? Start Here.

The months around your 65th birthday are the most important Medicare decisions you'll make — and the rules around timing, penalties, and plan choices catch a lot of people off guard. This is the short version. A local agent can walk through your specific situation.

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

A 7-month window: 3 months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and 3 months after. Enrolling early means your coverage starts on the first day of your birthday month. Wait until after, and your coverage start date is pushed back.

Step-by-step at 65

1. 3 months before 65: Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B at SSA.gov (unless you're already collecting Social Security — you'll be enrolled automatically).
2. Decide your path: Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D, OR a Medicare Advantage plan.
3. Pick a plan: A licensed local agent compares every option in your ZIP at no cost.
4. Enroll: The agent handles the application. Coverage starts the 1st of your birthday month.

Penalties to avoid

• Part B late penalty: 10% added to your Part B premium for every 12 months you delay without creditable coverage — and it lasts for life.
• Part D late penalty: 1% of the national base premium per month delayed without creditable drug coverage — also permanent.