Retiring at 65

When you retire at age 65, you are able to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Eligibility Period (IEP). IEP lasts for seven months: three month before the month you turn 65, the month of your birthday, and three months after you turn 65.

If you don’t enroll within the seven-month window around your birthday month, you have the option to sign up during the General Enrollment Period from January 1 — March 31 each year. Your coverage would start the following July.

Important: Late enrollment in Medicare is subject to permanently higher premiums.

Similar to your group plan, Medicare offers free annual wellness visits to help prevent disease through personalized health and wellness plans.