Turning 65 comes with a hundred questions. Get answers in plain language.

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window: the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, that month, and the 3 months after. If you already receive Social Security you're enrolled automatically; otherwise sign up at SSA.gov. Missing it can mean a permanent Part B penalty of 10% for every 12 months you delay.

Full retirement age is 66–67 for most people born after 1954. Claiming at 65 means a reduced benefit; every year you delay past FRA (up to 70) adds about 8%, for life. If you're in good health and can afford to wait, delaying often pays off — but your spouse's age and other income matter too.

Original Medicare (A & B) gives broad nationwide provider flexibility, with a Medigap policy filling the gaps. Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles everything through a private insurer — often with dental and vision — but uses a network and can carry higher out-of-pocket costs. The right pick depends on your doctors, budget, and travel habits.

At minimum: a will or living trust, a durable financial power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, an advance directive / living will, and up-to-date beneficiary designations on all accounts (these override your will). Together they ensure your wishes are honored and spare your family costly disputes.

Yes. With a large employer (20+ employees) you can usually delay Part B without penalty and enroll later via a Special Enrollment Period. With a smaller employer, Medicare becomes primary at 65, so enroll on time. Remember to stop HSA contributions 6 months before Medicare begins to avoid tax penalties.