Turning 65 comes with important Medicare decisions, and missing key deadlines can lead to delayed coverage or long-term penalties.
Understanding when to enroll, what coverage you need, and how Medicare fits with your existing insurance is essential to protecting your budget in retirement.
MBA Insurance Services helps individuals and families across the St. Croix Valley and North Shore compare Medicare options, avoid costly mistakes, and choose coverage that fits their healthcare needs and retirement plans.
When to Enroll in Medicare When Turning 65
Your Medicare eligibility begins the first day of your birth month.
You have a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period: three months before your birthday month, the month itself, and three months after. If you miss this, you generally have to wait for the General Enrollment Period, which can delay your coverage and trigger permanent surcharges.
If you are still working and your employer has 20 or more employees, you might be able to delay Part B without penalty.
However, that choice depends on whether your current coverage is considered “creditable” by Social Security standards. Getting this wrong is expensive. One mistake can lead to a 10% premium penalty for every 12-month period you were eligible but didn’t sign up.
What are the different parts of Medicare?
Understanding your costs starts with knowing what each “letter” does. Because 2026 rates have increased, it is vital to calculate these into your monthly retirement budget.
Understanding Medicare Costs in 2026
| Medicare Part | What it Covers | 2026 Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Part A | Hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice. | $0 (if you worked 10+ years) |
| Part B | Doctor visits, outpatient care, screenings. | $202.90 (standard premium) |
| Part C | Medicare Advantage (Private bundled plans). | Varies by plan |
| Part D | Prescription drugs. | Varies by plan |
Original Medicare generally covers a significant portion of approved medical expenses, but beneficiaries are still responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket costs.
This “gap” is why most residents in Red Wing and Ellsworth choose a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or a Medicare Advantage plan to protect their savings.
How do I choose between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
A Medicare Supplement plan allows you to see any doctor in the country who accepts Medicare. It’s ideal if you spend winters in warmer climates or travel frequently.
Medicare Advantage plans often have lower premiums (sometimes $0), but they use provider networks. If your primary doctor is in a specific health system in Lake City or Rochester, we need to verify they are in-network before you sign.
This is where an independent agency provides the most value. MBA Insurance Services isn’t tied to a single carrier. We show you plans from multiple companies to compare what is actually covered, not just what looks cheapest on a flyer.
Does my other insurance need to change at 65?
Medicare is the priority, but turning 65 is the right time for a full policy audit. Your needs at 65 are rarely the same as they were at 45.
- Home and Auto: If you’re spending more time at a cabin near Lutsen or have retired from a long daily commute, your premiums should reflect those changes.
- Life Insurance: If you have a term policy nearing its end, we can review if permanent coverage or a smaller final expense policy makes more sense for your estate.
- Long-Term Care: Medicare does not pay for extended nursing home stays or 24/7 in-home care. We look at options that protect your assets from being depleted by healthcare costs.
That personal touch makes the difference. One couple in Red Wing who has been with us for 33 years noted that agent Brittney Olson “gently guided my spouse and I through our initial Medicare enrollment, answering our many questions professionally and in a way that we easily understood.”
After reviewing their healthcare needs and budget, MBA Insurance Services helped them choose Medicare coverage that fit their situation.
Get Help With Medicare Enrollment with MBA Insurance Services
If you’re turning 65 in the next six months, now is the time to review your Medicare options before enrollment deadlines arrive. Waiting too long can lead to delayed coverage, higher premiums, or choosing a plan that doesn’t fit your healthcare needs.
Working with MBA Insurance Services gives you access to local guidance from an independent agency that compares plans from multiple carriers, explains your options clearly, and helps you avoid costly enrollment mistakes.
Instead of trying to sort through Medicare decisions on your own, you can get one-on-one support tailored to your budget, doctors, prescriptions, and retirement plans.
Whether you need help enrolling in Medicare, comparing Medicare Supplement and Advantage plans, or reviewing your home, auto, and life insurance as you enter retirement, MBA Insurance is here to make the process easier.
Call MBA Insurance Services at 651-388-7128 or visit one of our offices in Red Wing, Lake City, Ellsworth, or Lutsen to schedule your Medicare review and get coverage that fits your life.
