Our human life span is longer than ever. Having said that, turning 65 should ignite serious conversations with your loved ones about Medicare, life insurance, even your end of life and funeral wishes (final expense).
Seven things to do when you turn 65 years young:
- Familiarize yourself with Medicare and learn also about ‘Medicare Advantage’ – Selecting the right healthcare plan through Medicare can be overwhelming and downright stressful. Check our Medicare Kissimmee page to learn more about what are the parts of Medicare so you can choose between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan. If you’ll no longer have employee-sponsored healthcare, you’ll definitely want to look into getting a Medicare Advantage plan — many Florida plans offer $0 monthly premiums and bundle hospital, medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period starting 3 months before your 65th birthday — missing it can result in permanent premium penalties.
- Determine if you can live a comfortable life after retiring – Just because you may be eligible for retirement doesn’t mean you’re truly ready for it — you should determine if you can live a comfortable life.
- Avoid Penalties of Non Enrollment. – Consider the fact that age 65 is usually the last time you can get a policy for a somewhat affordable rate — and the last chance to enroll in Medicare without a lifelong penalty surcharge. Missing your Initial Enrollment Period means you may pay 10% more on your Part B premium for every 12 months you delayed, permanently. Speak with an expert agent to review your Medicare Advantage plans in Kissimmee Florida and avoid costly gaps in your coverage.
- Plan your social security benefits claim (reduced benefits earlier or higher benefits later) – Age 66 is now considered Social Security’s “full retirement age,” meaning the age when you can claim your full retirement benefits without penalty. How you time your Social Security claim also affects your income level, which can impact your eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs or Medicaid — read our guide on how to get Medicare and Medicaid in Florida to understand how these programs work together.
- Get your legal documents in order and get a will and a power of attorney if you don’t have them already – Getting your wishes in order regarding healthcare, ongoing finances, and your estate is important. And having a legal will will ensure your final wishes are met and protect your assets.
- Make changes in your Health Saving Account (HSA) and maximize your catch-up IRAs and 401(k)s contributions – You’ll need to stop making HSA contributions when you enroll in Medicare, and if you’re still working, this is a good thing to do for an extra cushion when you do retire.
- Get a complete physical examination – Visit your doctor and make sure you’re caught up on routine screenings and exams so you can enjoy life for years to come.
Planning when turning 65?
In sum, turning 65 isn’t entirely pleasant but as long as you prepare properly, you’ll be able to handle whatever comes your way.
Keep in mind that there are definitely some medical conditions and things happening to your body you’ll want to be aware of, and selecting the right healthcare plan through Medicare is important but can be also overwhelming and downright stressful. Luckily, Insurance Pro can help you choose the right Medicare plan for you. Many Floridians turning 65 choose Medicare Advantage plans in Florida for their added benefits and $0 premium options.
Medicare Enrollment Timeline at a Glance
Knowing when to enroll is just as important as knowing what to enroll in. Missing a Medicare deadline can result in permanent late enrollment penalties that increase your monthly premium for life. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key enrollment windows you need to know when you turn 65:
| Enrollment Period | Timing | What It Covers |
| Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) | 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday | Part A, Part B, Part D, Medicare Advantage |
| Special Enrollment Period (SEP) | If you have employer coverage past 65 | Allows delayed enrollment without penalty |
| General Enrollment Period (GEP) | January 1 – March 31 each year | Late sign-ups for Part B; coverage begins July 1 |
| Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) | October 15 – December 7 each year | Switch or update Medicare Advantage or Part D plans |
Pro tip: If you are still working at 65 and covered by an employer group plan with 20+ employees, you may be able to delay Medicare Part B without penalty. Always speak with a licensed Medicare advisor before making this decision.
At Insurance Pro Florida, our licensed agents help Central Florida residents navigate every Medicare Advantage plan enrollment window — in English and Spanish — at no cost to you. Don’t forget to also review your dental coverage in retirement, as Medicare does not cover routine dental. And if protecting your loved ones financially is a priority, explore final expense insurance options as well. Call us at (407) 847-7000 or schedule a free consultation. Start by reviewing your Medicare plans in Kissimmee Florida to choose a plan that fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
If a family member is under 65, they may still qualify for ACA marketplace plans in Florida with premium subsidies based on household income.
Related articles:
- What Are The Parts Of Medicare?
- Is A Medicare Advantage Plan Right For You?
- Getting Health Coverage Through Original Medicare Or Medicare Advantage?
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment deadline at 65?
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and don’t have qualifying employer coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty. For Medicare Part B, the penalty is 10% added to your premium for every 12-month period you were eligible but didn’t enroll and this penalty is permanent. For Part D (prescription drug coverage), the penalty is based on how long you went without creditable drug coverage. Enrolling on time is critical. A licensed advisor can help you determine your exact deadline.
Do I need Medicare if I’m still working at 65?
It depends on your employer’s size and your coverage. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare typically becomes your primary insurance and you should enroll on time. If your employer has 20 or more employees, your group plan remains primary and you may delay Medicare Part B without penalty. In either case, you should still enroll in Part A (which is usually free) if you have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Does Medicare cover dental and vision at 65?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. If you want these benefits, you will need either a standalone dental insurance plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental and vision coverage. Our agents can help you compare options that include these benefits at no extra cost to you.
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is the federal program covering hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) services. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurers approved by Medicare and often bundles Part A, Part B, and Part D into one plan, sometimes with added benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. Many Florida residents choose Medicare Advantage for its lower out-of-pocket costs and extra benefits.
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