Retiring at 65 checklist
If you're approaching 65 and get health coverage through your employer, union, or trust fund, this checklist will help you choose the right Kaiser Permanente plan for you, meet your enrollment deadlines, and avoid late enrollment penalties.
You can download and print out this checklist♦ and keep it handy.
Let's get started: Mark your calendar with your initial enrollment period
Your initial enrollment period is the first time you can enroll in a Medicare health plan. It lasts 7 months—the 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the 3 months after.
4-6 months before you turn 65
- Learn about your organization's Medicare health plan requirements and options. Contact your benefits administrator or check your organization's website or enrollment materials to find out if they offer a Medicare health plan, if you'll be automatically enrolled, and more.
- Learn about Medicare basics. It's important to know what to look for in a plan and how Star Quality Ratings can help you compare plans.* Watch our helpful online videos, including "Medicare Part B Simplified" and "Group Medicare: 4 Simple Steps."
- Not a Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan member, but want to enroll with us once you retire? Ask your benefits administrator how to enroll in a Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan.
3 months before you turn 65
- Contact Social Security, enroll in Part B, and request your Medicare card. Confirm your Medicare eligibility and find out the earliest date you can get your card. You'll need the information on your Medicare card to enroll in a Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan—and it can take up to 2 months to receive it.
- Enroll now—you don't have to wait until your birthday. If you have your Medicare card, sign up now.
- Consider enrolling with us online. It's easy and secure.
When you turn 65, and up to 3 months after
- If you're retiring at 65, don't delay. If you retire at 65 and don’t sign up before your enrollment period ends—3 months after your birthday—you may have to pay a costly, ongoing late enrollment penalty.
NEXT: Learn how to enroll
