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Turning 65

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New to Medicare

Turning 65? Let’s make Medicare simple.

Your 65th birthday comes with important decisions and deadlines. We’ll walk you through every step — clearly, patiently, and in your language — so you enroll with confidence and never miss a date.

Stock / AI okActive, happy 60s adult — vibrant, approaching retirement
Start about 3 months early

The best time to start planning is roughly three months before your 65th birthday. Enrolling on time avoids gaps in coverage and possible lifelong penalties — and it means you’re covered the moment you’re eligible.

Here’s the simple timeline, and we’ll be with you at every step.

Your Medicare timeline

What happens, and when

Step1

3 Months Before

Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period begins. This is the best time to review your options and start planning — reach out and we’ll map it all out for you.

Step2

Your Birthday Month

Compare plans, confirm your doctors and medications are covered, and choose the coverage that fits. We do the comparing; you make the choice.

Step3

Up to 3 Months After

Your enrollment window stays open for three months after your birthday month. We handle the paperwork so your coverage starts on time.

Step4

Every Year After

Plans change annually. Each fall we review yours during Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7) to make sure it still fits — no cost, no hassle.

Free Vietnamese guide

Watch: Medicare explained, in Vietnamese.

New to Medicare and prefer Vietnamese? Watch our free guide, then talk with an agent who can answer your questions one on one — no cost, no obligation.

Watch the Guide
Video embedCISA Turning-65 Vietnamese video (youtu.be/BEGQ-AovIHg)
The big decision

Advantage or Supplement?

The main choice most people face at 65. We’ll help you weigh them for your health, budget, and doctors.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

All-in-one coverage from a private carrier, often with extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and drug coverage bundled in — usually with lower monthly premiums and a network of providers.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Pairs with Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket gaps, with the freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare — typically a higher premium for fewer surprise costs.

Common questions

Turning 65, answered

Do I have to sign up at exactly 65?

If you’re still working with employer coverage, you may be able to delay without penalty. If not, enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period avoids late penalties. We’ll look at your situation and tell you exactly what to do.

What happens if I miss my enrollment window?

You could face coverage gaps and lifelong late penalties on Part B and Part D. That’s why we reach out early and track the dates for you — so you never miss them.

Is there really no cost for your help?

Correct — our guidance is 100% free to you, with no obligation. We’re paid by the carriers when you enroll.

Can you help me in my language?

Yes. We help in Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Khmer, Spanish, and English. Just tell us your preference.

Turning 65 soon? Let’s start today.

Free, patient, step-by-step help in your language — so you enroll on time and with total confidence.

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