Turning 65? Here’s How to Get Started with Medicare and Explore Medicare Advantage Plans
Welcome to 65: Your Medicare Journey Begins
Turning 65 is a major milestone — and not just for birthday cake and celebration. It’s also when most Americans become eligible for Medicare, the federal health insurance program designed primarily for seniors. If you’re wondering how to get started with Medicare, you’re in the right place.
At the The Shannon Insurance Agency, we specialize in helping individuals navigate their Medicare options, with a strong focus on Medicare Advantage plans, which often provide more coverage than Original Medicare alone.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of Medicare
Medicare has four main parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical supplies.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): Offered by private insurers like us at Shannon Insurance, these plans combine Part A and Part B and often include extra benefits like vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription medications.
Step 2: Know When to Enroll
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins three months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. That gives you a 7-month window to enroll in Medicare without penalties.
If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll likely be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. If not, you’ll need to sign up through the Social Security Administration.
Step 3: Explore Medicare Advantage Plans
Once enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you can choose how you receive your benefits. One of the most popular options? Medicare Advantage plans.
These plans are offered by private companies may include:
- Lower out-of-pocket costs
- All-in-one coverage (medical, hospital, and often prescriptions)
- Extra benefits like dental, hearing, vision, gym memberships, and telehealth
Our licensed agents at Shannon Insurance can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans available in your area and find the best fit based on your needs and budget.
Step 4: Get Personalized Help from The Shannon Insurance Agency
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. At The Shannon Insurance Agency, we’ve helped hundreds of people turning 65 make informed decisions about their Medicare coverage. We walk you through the options, explain the details, and simplify the process.
Whether you’re still working, retiring, or exploring supplemental benefits, we’re here to help you find clarity and confidence in your Medicare journey.
📞 Call us today at (702) 260-1648 or visit shannoninsure.com to schedule your no-cost consultation.
CMS Disclaimer
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Final Thoughts
Turning 65 comes with a lot of questions — but with the right guidance, it can also come with peace of mind. Let Shannon Insurance help you make the most of your Medicare Advantage plan options.
Medicare Advantage plans are more than coverage — they’re a path to a healthier, simpler retirement. Start your journey with The Shannon Insurance Agency today.
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