How to Apply for Medicare: My Journey at 65

This year I turned 65, and with that milestone came something new: Medicare. Just saying the word can feel overwhelming. What do I need? When do I sign up? How do I even start?

I want to share a little of my own experience and some simple steps, because I know I’m not alone. Many of us “seasoned souls” will reach this moment, and it helps to know what to expect.

🌻 What is Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance from the federal government, mainly for people age 65 and older. It has different parts:

Part A: Hospital insurance (usually free if you’ve worked and paid into Medicare). Part B: Medical insurance (doctor visits, outpatient care—this one has a monthly premium). Part C: Medicare Advantage (private plans that bundle A, B, and often D). Part D: Prescription drug coverage.

🌻 Timing: When Do You Apply?

You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period: the month you turn 65, plus three months before and three months after.

For me, with a July birthday, that means April through October 2025 is my window. If you apply early, coverage can start right when you turn 65. If you wait until after your birthday month, it may start later.

🌻 My Choice: Part A Only

Since I still work full-time and have employer insurance through AETNA, I chose to sign up for Part A only. Part A is free for most people and can help cover hospital costs that employer insurance might not.

I did not sign up for Part B yet, because it has a monthly premium. I’ll add it later, when I retire or no longer have job-based coverage. (Important: you can delay Part B without penalties if you still have qualifying employer insurance.)

🌻 How to Apply – Simple Steps

Applying for Medicare is easier than you might think. It can be done in about 10–15 minutes online:

Go to ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up. Click “Apply for Medicare Only.” Sign in with your mySocialSecurity account (or create one). Fill in your personal info (Social Security number, address, date of birth). Answer questions about your current health insurance (I marked employer insurance: AETNA). Choose Part A only and decline Part B. Review your answers and submit.

You’ll get a confirmation, and your red, white, and blue Medicare card will arrive in the mail.

🌻 After You Apply

Your Part A start date is usually backdated up to 6 months, but never before your 65th birthday month. For me, it will start July 1, 2025. Keep your card in a safe place. You’ll need it when you retire and add Part B (and maybe Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan).

🌻 Reflection

Change can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to. Medicare is one of those life transitions that looks bigger and scarier from the outside than it really is. With the right information, it’s just another step into a new chapter.

I share this because I know many of us will face this milestone. Don’t be afraid of it. Ask questions. Take it one page, one choice, one step at a time.

Who says you can’t teach seasoned souls new tricks? 😉