If you’re close to 65, but NOT getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, the first step is to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. There can be monetary penalties for not signing up for Part B when you're first eligible, but there are also exceptions for delaying it. Do you qualify for this exception?

Once you have a Medicare Part B effective date, you are eligible to enroll in supplement plan, advantage plan, and prescription drug plans. There are lots of options available to you, make sure to request a consult to make sure that you are enrolling in a plan that fits your needs!

Generally, you only need to sign up for Part A and Part B once.

Each year, you can choose which way you get your health coverage (and add or switch drug coverage).

Medicare is different from private health insurance — it doesn’t offer plans for couples or families. You don’t have to make the same choice as your spouse.

Ever year there is an Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). AEP is a set time each year for changing your Medicare coverage choices if you choose to. AEP runs from October 15 to December 7. New coverage choices will go into effect on January 1.

In addition to that, there is an Open Enrollment Period (OEP) when you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another which occurs the first quarter of the year.

Lastly, there are Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) that can be triggered by a significant life changing event that may give you enrollment opportunities throughout the year.