Learn first. Enroll second.

Turning 65 Checklist

A calm, step-by-step of what to do before, during, and after your 65th birthday.

• 90 days out: gather doctor list, medication list, and preferred pharmacies
• 90 days out: request our Medicare comparison — Advantage vs Medigap
• 60 days out: create your Social Security account if you haven't already
• 60 days out: decide whether to delay Part B (only if you have creditable coverage)
• Birthday month: apply for Part A and Part B
• 45 days after applying: expect your red-white-blue Medicare card
• Enroll in Advantage or Medigap + Part D — with our help

ACA Open Enrollment Dates

Federal dates for HealthCare.gov. Some states run their own exchanges with different dates — call us and we'll confirm.

• Nov 1Open Enrollment begins
• Dec 15Deadline for coverage starting Jan 1
• Jan 15Open Enrollment ends
• Any timeSpecial Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event

Insurance Glossary

The terms carriers use, in plain English.

Premium

The monthly amount you pay for coverage, whether you use it or not.

Deductible

The amount you pay for covered services before your plan starts paying.

Copay

A fixed amount you pay for a covered service (e.g., $30 for a doctor visit).

Coinsurance

Your share of a bill after the deductible — usually a percentage (e.g., 20%).

Out-of-pocket max

The most you'll pay in a year before your plan pays 100% of covered costs.

Network

The doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies your plan has contracted with.

Formulary

The list of prescription drugs your plan covers, and at what tier.

Medigap

A Medicare Supplement policy that helps pay the 20% Original Medicare leaves behind.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

A private plan that bundles A, B, and usually D, with its own network.

Marketplace / Exchange

HealthCare.gov and its state versions where subsidized ACA plans live.