When is the best time to prepare for Medicare?
I hope you didn’t say 65!
Yes – you don’t become Medicare eligible until three months before you turn 65; but Medicare is full of complicated terminology, weighty decisions, and confusing “windows” of time in which to enroll or disenroll in different plans.
The Medicare Early-Bird gets the worm. Show up to the party early! You won’t regret it.
To set you up for success, we’ve made a sample timeline starting at your 64th birthday:
64th birthday month: YAY! You are one year closer to being Medicare-eligible!
Quarter 1: Education. Learn as much as you can about Medicare in these first three months. Listen to The Medicare Navigator’s Podcast, read our blog posts HERE, scroll through our social media channels, explore the Medicare.gov website, and ask your 65+ friends questions. Become a Medicare knowledge sponge.
Quarter 2: Look at your budget: Are you planning to retire at 65? Are you already retired? What is your healthcare budget?
Quarter 3: Find an agent. Of course, we would love for you to pick us! But whether you do or don’t, finding an agent is a must. Why? While we know that you’ve been doing your due diligence and learning all there is to know about Medicare, an agent knows ALL the ins and outs and talks about Medicare daily. He/she can listen to your story and unique situation and help you figure out the best path forward. And the good news? It costs you NOTHING! Agents are paid by the insurance companies, not by their clients. Peace of mind for free? Why not?!
Quarter 4: Initial Enrollment Period. You’ve done such a good job, you Medicare sponge you!! 
Now you have officially entered into your Initial Enrollment Period! You are armed with knowledge, a budget, and an agent. If you plan to retire and stop your employer group coverage, this is the time to apply for Medicare!