Turning 65 in Georgia: your Medicare starter guide

Turning 65 comes with a stack of Medicare mail and a few decisions that matter for the rest of your life. Here's the plain-English version — what to do, when, and which deadlines you really don't want to miss. When you're ready, we'll walk through your specific options at no cost.

1. Your enrollment window: the 7-month Initial Enrollment Period

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is seven months long: the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after. Signing up in the three months before your birthday helps your coverage start without delay.

• Part A (hospital) is premium-free for most people, so most enroll when first eligible.
• Part B (medical) carries the $202.90 standard monthly premium in 2026 — and a timing decision if you're still working (see below).

2. The parts of Medicare, briefly

• Part A — inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, hospice.
• Part B — doctors, outpatient care, preventive services.
• Part C (Medicare Advantage) — a private all-in-one alternative that bundles A, B, and usually drug coverage.
• Part D — prescription drug coverage.

3. Your big decision: two paths

The two common ways to put your coverage together.

Path	What it looks like
Original Medicare + extras	Parts A & B, usually plus a Medigap policy and a standalone Part D drug plan. Any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare; predictable costs; monthly premiums.
Medicare Advantage	A single Part C plan that bundles everything, often $0 premium, with extras like dental and vision — using a local network.

4. Deadlines that carry lifelong penalties

5. Still working at 65?

If you (or your spouse) have qualifying employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty and get a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends. The rules depend on employer size and whether the coverage is creditable, so it's worth a quick conversation before you decide.

6. A simple checklist

• Mark your 7-month IEP on the calendar (it starts 3 months before your birthday month).
• Decide on Part B based on whether you have other creditable coverage.
• Choose your path: Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D, or Medicare Advantage.
• Check that your doctors and prescriptions are covered before you enroll.
• If you're a veteran, see how TRICARE or VA benefits coordinate; if you have Medicaid, see our dual-eligible guide.
• Estimate your costs on our 2026 costs & IRMAA page.

None of this has to be done alone. We help Georgians sort through it every day — clearly, patiently, and at no cost to you.