turning 65? start here
Turning 65, or rethinking your Medicare plan?
Medicare has parts, deadlines and a lot of mail. I’ll explain how the pieces fit together and what to look at before you choose a plan.
FL License #G193830
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The parts of Medicare
Part A: hospital
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and some home health care.
Part B: medical
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and medical equipment.
Part C: Medicare Advantage
Plans from private companies approved by Medicare. They bundle Part A and Part B, and usually Part D.
Part D: prescriptions
Helps pay for prescription drugs. You get it through a standalone plan or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.
Dates that matter
- Your Initial Enrollment Period. Seven months around your 65th birthday: the three months before, the month of, and the three months after.
- Annual Enrollment, October 15 to December 7. The yearly window to join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, January 1 to March 31. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans or go back to Original Medicare once.
What to have ready
- Your Medicare card, if you already have one.
- A list of your doctors.
- A list of your prescriptions and doses.
- The pharmacy you like to use.
Questions I get about Medicare
Do I have to sign up at 65?
It depends on your situation, including whether you’re still covered through an employer. Signing up late for some parts can mean a penalty, so it’s worth checking before your Initial Enrollment Period ends. Medicare.gov and Social Security have the official answer for your case.
What’s the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare is Part A and Part B, run by the federal government. Medicare Advantage is an alternative from a private company that covers the same services and often adds extras, with its own network and costs.
Can I change my plan later?
Yes, during the enrollment periods above, and at other times if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
How do I talk to you about plans?
Call me at (813) 323-9481. I’ll ask what you’d like to go over before I start.
Official sources
- Medicare.gov
- Social Security Administration: Medicare
- SHINE, free Medicare counseling from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs
I do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Chris Chase Insurance is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This page is general information.
Have a question? Just ask.
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