Turning 65 in Arizona? Start Your Medicare Here.

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your first chance to sign up for Medicare is a 7-month window: the 3 months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the 3 months after.

1. Month 13 months before
2. Month 22 months before
3. Month 31 month before
4. Birthday monthYou turn 65
5. Month 51 month after
6. Month 62 months after
7. Month 73 months after

• Sign up in the 3 months before your birthday month, and coverage usually starts the first day of your birthday month.
• Sign up during your birthday month or later, and coverage usually starts the first day of the month after you sign up.

The parts of Medicare, simply explained

Part A

Hospital insurance: inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A.

Part B

Medical insurance: doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment. Most people pay a monthly premium.

Part C

Medicare Advantage: private plans that combine Parts A and B, and usually D.

Part D

Prescription drug coverage from private plans.

Your two main paths

Compare the two paths side by side

Still working at 65?

If you (or your spouse) are still working and have health coverage through a current employer, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty. It depends mainly on the size of the employer:

• 20 or more employees: your employer plan usually pays first, and delaying Part B may make sense.
• Fewer than 20 employees: Medicare usually pays first, so you may need Part B right away.

Read: Do I need Part B if I'm still working?

Your turning-65 checklist

1. 6 months before: List your doctors, prescriptions, and preferred pharmacy. Ask your employer or HR how their coverage works with Medicare.
2. 3–6 months before: Schedule a consultation to understand your options.
3. 3 months before: Sign up for Parts A and B through Social Security (if you aren't enrolled automatically and you're not delaying for employer coverage).
4. When your Medicare card arrives: Choose and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medigap policy plus a Part D plan.
5. Every fall: Review your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing your enrollment window. The Part B penalty can add 10% to your premium for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't — usually for as long as you have Part B.
• Skipping drug coverage without other creditable coverage, which can trigger a Part D penalty.
• Assuming COBRA or retiree coverage lets you delay Part B. It generally doesn't count as coverage from current employment.
• Missing the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, when you have the most options.
• Choosing a plan without checking your doctors and prescriptions.

What to have ready for our conversation

• Your Medicare card (or your expected start dates)
• A list of your doctors and any hospitals you prefer
• Your prescriptions, with doses
• Information about any current employer or retiree coverage

This page is general educational information, not personal advice. Medicare rules, costs, and plan options change and depend on your situation. For official information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).