What to do 6 months before turning 65?

Six months before turning 65, focus on planning for Medicare and Social Security: research Medicare (Parts A, B, Advantage, Supplement, Part D), understand your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), review your Social Security statement, and budget for retirement, deciding on when to start benefits and how Medicare integrates with existing work coverage.

Is there anything I need to do before I turn 65?

Because the full retirement age is no longer 65—the age when Medicare begins— you will need to contact Social Security prior to your 65th birthday to obtain Medicare coverage even if you do not plan to collect Social Security payments.

Can I enroll in Medicare 6 months before my 65th birthday?

Yes, you can enroll in Medicare up to three months before your 65th birthday, as part of your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) that starts 3 months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after, allowing you to avoid penalties and gaps in coverage. Enrolling early means your coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65, while signing up later (in or after your birthday month) shifts coverage to the first day of the next month. 

How much will I have to pay for Medicare when I turn 65?

At age 65, most people get Premium-Free Part A, costing $0, but pay a standard Part B premium of $202.90 monthly in 2026, plus a $283 annual deductible, with potential income-based surcharges (IRMAA) and extra costs for supplemental plans like Part D (drugs) or Medicare Advantage (Part C). Your total monthly cost depends on your income, work history (for Part A), and any extra coverage, but expect at least the Part B premium and potentially more for prescription drugs. 

How far in advance of my 65th birthday should I apply for Social Security?

Important: You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old to apply for benefits. The earliest you can apply for retirement benefits is four months before you want your benefits to start. If you want your benefits to start more than four months in the future, you need to apply for benefits at a later date.

Steps to take 6 Months before turning 65

Do I need to contact Social Security when I turn 65?

No, you don't have to sign up for Social Security at 65; you can start as early as 62 or delay until age 70 for a higher monthly payment, but 65 is when you typically become eligible for Medicare, which is a separate but related process, and you should sign up around then to avoid penalties. Your Full Retirement Age (FRA), when you get 100% of your benefit, is likely 67 for most people today, but you can choose to start benefits earlier (reduced amount) or later (increased amount). 

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?

Claiming Benefits Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they're eligible, which is at age 62. While getting money sooner can be tempting, claiming early has a significant downside: your monthly benefit will be reduced.

What happens if I don't enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?

If you don't sign up for Medicare at 65 and don't have other creditable coverage (like employer insurance), you risk paying late enrollment penalties, delaying your coverage, and potentially facing gaps in healthcare, especially for Part B (medical) and Part D (drugs). Penalties increase your premiums (10% for Part B per year delayed) and last as long as you have the coverage, while late Part D enrollment leads to a 1% penalty of the national average premium per month without coverage. 

What are the 5 things Medicare won't cover?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn't cover most dental, vision (like glasses/contacts), hearing aids, routine foot care, and long-term custodial care, plus many alternative therapies, cosmetic surgeries, and prescription drugs (without Part D). You'll need supplemental plans (like Medigap or Part C) or separate insurance for these common needs. 

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

What is the birthday rule for Medicare?

The Medicare Birthday Rule is a state-specific provision for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, allowing existing policyholders in participating states to switch to a new Medigap policy around their birthday (usually a 30-60 day window) without medical underwriting, guaranteeing issue of a plan with equal or lesser benefits, and helping beneficiaries find better rates or coverage. This rule, implemented in various forms across states like CA, OR, and IN, lets you change insurers or plans (e.g., Plan G to another Plan G) without health questions, but you can't upgrade to a more comprehensive plan like Plan G if you have Plan F. 

Is it better to apply for Medicare online or in person?

It's generally better and faster to apply for Medicare online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website for convenience, 24/7 access, and the ability to save and resume your application, but applying in person at a local Social Security office is best if you need one-on-one help with complex situations or have digital challenges. For most people, especially those newly eligible at 65, the online process is quick (around 10-30 minutes) and straightforward. 

How far ahead of my 65th birthday do I apply for Medicare?

You should apply for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), a 7-month window starting 3 months before the month you turn 65, including your birthday month, and ending 3 months after. Applying within this window ensures coverage starts smoothly (often the 1st of the month you turn 65) and helps you avoid late enrollment penalties for Part B.
 

What is the $1000 a month rule for retirement?

The $1,000 a month retirement rule is a simple guideline stating you need about $240,000 saved for every $1,000 of monthly income you want from your investments in retirement, based on a 5% annual withdrawal rate ($240k x 0.05 / 12 = $1k/month). It's a motivational tool to estimate savings goals (e.g., $3,000/month needs $720k), but it's one-dimensional, doesn't account for inflation, taxes, or other income like Social Security, and assumes steady 5% returns, making a personalized plan essential. 

Why is turning 65 a big deal?

As you might know, 65 is the age at which you first become eligible for Medicare. It's a great time to consider the changes that will come to your life, affecting your finances, your health and general physical well-being. You might also want to take advantage of some perks that come with age.

What is the most popular medicare supplement plan?

The most popular Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan for new enrollees is Plan G, offering comprehensive coverage similar to the old Plan F but without covering the Medicare Part B deductible; however, Plan F remains popular for those already enrolled, while Plan N is also a top choice for lower premiums in exchange for some copays and deductibles, according to Boomer Benefits and KFF.
 

Does Medicare pay for a colonoscopy?

Yes, Medicare (Part B) pays for screening colonoscopies, covering 100% of costs if your doctor accepts assignment and no polyps are found, though you pay 15% if they remove tissue (making it diagnostic); frequency depends on your risk, generally every 10 years (average risk) or 24 months (high risk). 

What blood tests does Medicare not cover?

Medicare generally doesn't cover blood tests that aren't medically necessary, such as routine wellness panels, employment-required tests, elective tests for general curiosity, or experimental markers, though it does cover specific preventive screens (like PSA) and medically indicated diagnostic tests. You'll likely pay out-of-pocket for tests ordered without a specific diagnosis, tests done too frequently, or those for general "peace of mind," but your doctor should give you an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) if a test isn't covered. 

How can I lower my Medicare premiums?

To lower Medicare premiums, report income drops from life events like retirement (Form SSA-44), apply for low-income help like Extra Help or Medicaid, use HSA funds for premiums, deduct premiums from taxes, switch to a cheaper Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan, or check if you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through your state. 

Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?

No, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) is generally not free at age 65; most people pay a monthly premium, which can be higher for those with greater income, although Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is often premium-free if you've paid Social Security taxes for about 10 years. While Part A is free for many, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care and requires a standard monthly payment, with the 2026 standard premium set at $202.90, plus potential penalties for late enrollment. 

What will the monthly Medicare premiums be in 2026?

For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 monthly, an increase from 2025, with higher income earners paying more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount - IRMAA) and most people paying the standard rate unless they qualify for Extra Help. Part A premiums remain $0 for most, but higher for those with fewer work credits, while Part D costs vary by plan, but the national base beneficiary premium for penalty calculations rises to $38.99.
 

What is the number one regret of retirees?

Among the biggest mistakes retirees make is not adjusting their expenses to their new budget in retirement. Those who have worked for many years need to realize that dining out, clothing and entertainment expenses should be reduced because they are no longer earning the same amount of money as they were while working.

What does Dave Ramsey say about Social Security?

Dave Ramsey views Social Security as a supplement, not a primary retirement income, emphasizing that relying on it is a "dumb" idea; he advocates for claiming benefits as early as 62 if you're debt-free to invest the money for potentially higher returns, while also warning about potential future cuts due to trust fund depletion and urging strong reliance on 401(k)s and IRAs. 

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000/month in Social Security, you generally need a high earning history, around $100,000-$108,000+ annually over your top 35 years, but waiting to claim until age 70 maximizes this amount, potentially reaching it with lower yearly earnings, say under $70k if you wait long enough, as benefits are based on your highest indexed earnings over 35 years. The exact amount depends heavily on your specific earnings history and the age you start collecting benefits.