Turning 65 in Blackwood, NJ? The Ultimate Medicare Enrollment Checklist

Reaching age 65 is a key life transition, but your mailbox starts filling up with overwhelming stacks of Medicare pamphlets months in advance. How do you cut through the noise and ensure seamless coverage without penalties?

Here is a clear, step-by-step timeline designed by Dylan Kurz and the team at Alicia Kurz Insurance to guide South Jersey residents smoothly into Medicare.

6 Months Before Turning 65: Gather Your Medical Facts

Start by building a complete picture of your current healthcare footprint:

• ✓Doctor & Specialist List: Note down every primary care doctor, specialist, cardiologist, or therapist you visit in Blackwood, Cherry Hill, or Philadelphia.
• ✓Medication Roster: Write down exact medication names, dosages, and monthly refill frequencies.
• ✓Hospital Preferences: Identify preferred hospital networks like Jefferson Health, Cooper University, or Virtua Health.

4 Months Before Turning 65: Review Working Status & Employer Coverage

If you or your spouse are still actively working at age 65 for a company with 20 or more employees, your employer health plan is considered primary coverage. In this scenario:

• You may elect to enroll in Part A ($0 premium for most) while delaying Part B without penalty until retirement.

• If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare is primary, and you MUST enroll in Parts A and B at 65 to avoid coverage gaps.

3 Months Before Turning 65: Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) Begins

Your 7-month IEP window opens three months before your birthday month. This is the time to apply for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) through the Social Security Administration (online at ssa.gov or by visiting the local Social Security office in Glassboro or Cherry Hill).

2 Months Before Turning 65: Compare Advantage vs. Medigap Options

Work with an independent broker like Dylan Kurz or Alicia Kurz to run side-by-side carrier quotes. We check your doctors, review Part D drug costs, and evaluate whether a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap plan with Part D fits your lifestyle.

1 Month Before: Finalize Enrollment & Receive Your Medicare Card

Submit your chosen plan enrollment applications. Your official red, white, and blue Medicare card will arrive in the mail, and your new coverage takes effect on the 1st of your birthday month (or the 1st of the prior month if your birthday falls on the 1st).