Turning 65 in Austin? Your Step-by-Step Medicare Checklist

Short Answer

Start preparing for Medicare about three to six months before your 65th birthday. Confirm whether you will be enrolled automatically, decide whether active employer coverage lets you delay Part B, stop HSA contributions at the correct time, compare Original Medicare plus Medigap and Part D against Medicare Advantage, and complete enrollment before your desired effective date.

Step 1: Mark your Initial Enrollment Period

Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period generally lasts seven months: the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after. Coverage timing can depend on when you enroll. If your birthday is on the first day of a month, Medicare timing may be based on the previous month.

Step 2: Find out whether enrollment is automatic

People already receiving Social Security or certain Railroad Retirement Board benefits may be enrolled automatically. Others need to apply. Social Security generally handles applications for Medicare Part A and Part B.

Step 3: Evaluate employer coverage before delaying Part B

Do not assume all job-based coverage allows a penalty-free delay. The rules can differ based on current employment, employer size, whose employment creates coverage, and whether the coverage is COBRA, retiree, Marketplace, or active group coverage.

COBRA and retiree insurance generally do not protect a person from Part B late-enrollment consequences in the same way active-employment group coverage may. Get written guidance before declining Part B.

Step 4: Protect your HSA eligibility

Once enrolled in Medicare, you cannot continue making HSA contributions. Premium-free Part A can sometimes be retroactive for up to six months, but not earlier than the first month of eligibility. People enrolling after 65 often need to stop HSA contributions in advance. Coordinate with a tax advisor and benefits administrator.

Step 5: Choose how to receive coverage

Compare:

•             Original Medicare with a Medigap policy and separate Part D plan; and

•             Medicare Advantage, often with bundled drug coverage/other benefits.

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is valuable because health underwriting generally cannot be used against you during that six-month window.

Step 6: Build your comparison list

Gather your Medicare card, medications, doctors, preferred hospitals, pharmacies, travel needs, budget, and employer coverage notices. For Austin-area Medicare Advantage choices, verify the exact plan network—not merely the insurance company.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to enroll at 65 if I am still working?

Not always. The right answer depends on the type of coverage and employer circumstances.

Is Medicare free?

No. Many people qualify for premium-free Part A, but Part B has a monthly premium, and other premiums and cost sharing may apply.

When should I meet with an advisor?

Three to six months before 65 is a practical time, especially if employer coverage, an HSA, or retirement timing complicates the decision.

Start your Medicare plan

Four Oaks Medicare Planning helps people turning 65 in Austin and throughout Central Texas understand the steps and compare the plans we represent. Call 512-298-5404.