Medicare Enrollment: Turning 65 in Colorado
Most people enroll in Medicare during their 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, which starts 3 months before the month they turn 65 and ends 3 months after. You sign up for Parts A and B through Social Security, then choose a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap plan plus Part D.
Medicare enrollment happens in two steps. First, enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) through Social Security, online, by phone or at a local office. Second, choose how you'll fill the gaps: a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medicare Supplement plus a Part D drug plan.
If you're still working, the rules depend on your employer's size and coverage. As local Westminster brokers, we'll help you decide whether to enroll now or delay without penalties, at no cost to you.
How Medicare Enrollment Works
A step-by-step plan for enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B on time, without penalties or coverage gaps.
Who We Help
People turning 65 in the next six months, people retiring after 65 and leaving employer coverage, spouses coordinating coverage, and people auto-enrolled who need to pick a plan.
What It Costs
Part A is premium-free for most people who worked 10 years. Part B has a standard monthly premium and annual deductible set by Medicare. Enrolling late without creditable coverage can add a permanent penalty.
How We Help
We map out your enrollment timeline, help you sign up for Parts A and B, compare Medicare Supplement and Part D options, and stay your contact year-round, at no cost to you.
Talk to a Local Medicare Broker
Medicare brokers are paid by the insurance companies, and plan premiums are the same whether you enroll with a broker or directly. Call 970-685-2066 or request a free quote, and we'll walk you through every Medicare Supplement and Part D option available in your county.
Medicare Enrollment FAQs
Apply through Social Security online, by phone, or at a local office. If you already receive Social Security benefits, you're typically enrolled automatically.
Not always. If you or your spouse are still working and covered by an employer plan from a company with 20 or more employees, you can often delay Part B without a penalty. Otherwise, enroll during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period.
If you don't enroll when first eligible and don't have creditable employer coverage, your Part B premium can go up 10% for each full 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled, for as long as you have Part B.
Most people pay no premium for Part A. Part B has a standard monthly premium set annually, plus your chosen Medicare Advantage, Medigap or Part D plan premium.