Turning 65 is a milestone, that can feel confusing. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, from setting up your Social Security account to receiving your Medicare card.
Important Phone Numbers and Websites
Social Security
Website: Social Security Administration (SSA)
Create an account: my Social Security Account
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Medicare
Website: Medicare.gov
Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
TTY: 1-877-486-2048
Medicare and Social Security Timeline
6–12 Months Before Turning 65
Step 1: Create Your Social Security Account
Go to the Social Security website and create a secure online account if you haven’t already done so.
Your account allows you to:
- Check your earnings record
- View future retirement benefits
- Apply for Medicare
- Apply for Social Security retirement benefits
- Receive notices online
Take a few minutes to make sure your earnings record is correct. Errors are easier to fix before you apply for benefits.
3 Months Before Turning 65
Step 2: Decide About Medicare
Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65.
Your Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after your birthday month. (Social Security)
For example:
If your birthday is in May:
- Enrollment begins February 1
- Birthday month is May
- Enrollment ends August 31
Important Questions
Ask yourself:
- Am I still working?
- Do I have health insurance through my employer?
- Will I retire soon?
- Do I want Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan?
If you are not sure, contact Medicare or a local SHIP counselor for free help.
In Medicare, SHIP stands for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It is a free, federally funded program that provides unbiased, one-on-one counseling and education to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers.
In Texas, the program operates under a unique local name: the Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program
What Texas HICAP (SHIP) Offers
- Local Benefits Counselors: Offers personalized, one-on-one Medicare guidance online, over the phone, or via face-to-face interactive sessions across Texas.
Texas Medicare Help Line toll-free at 1-800-252-9240.
Online: Visit the regional Texas SHIP Portal managed by the national network, or explore localized information directly on the Texas Legal Services Center HICAP Page.
Step 3: Apply for Medicare
- Social Security number
- Birth certificate if you have trouble locating your birth certificate contact the county where you were born.
- Banking information for direct deposit
- Marriage information (if applicable) Be prepared if you don’t have a copy of your marriage certificate to order if from the county where you were married.
If you are NOT already receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply for Medicare about three months before turning 65. (Social Security)
You can apply:
- Online through your Social Security account
- By phone
- At your local Social Security office
Most people sign up for:
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
2–3 Months Before Turning 65
Step 4: Decide When to Start Social Security Benefits
You do NOT have to start Social Security at age 65. (But I really recommend that you talk to a financial planner and “Do the math.”
You can begin benefits as early as age 62 or delay them until age 70.
Before applying, consider:
- Your health
- Your finances
- Whether you plan to continue working part time or full time.
- Your spouse’s situation
You can view estimated benefits in your Social Security account.
Step 5: Apply for Social Security (If you are ready to start collecting benefits.)
You may apply:
- Online
- By phone Call the SSA at
1-800-772-1213(TTY:1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time to schedule an appointment. - At a Social Security offi
ce
Have these items ready:
About 2 Weeks After Medicare Enrollment
Step 6: Watch for Your Medicare Card
If you enroll yourself, Medicare generally mails your welcome packet and Medicare card about two weeks after enrollment. (Medicare)
Your card will show:
- Your Medicare number
- Part A start date
- Part B start date
Keep this card in a safe place. My information showed up online in my Medicare Account much sooner.
After Your Medicare Card Arrives
Step 7: Choose Additional Coverage
Original Medicare does not cover everything.
Most people also choose:
Option 1: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Part D Drug Plan
OR
Option 2: Medicare Advantage Plan
Compare plans at:
Before Your Coverage Begins
Step 8: Create a Medicare Account
Visit:
Your account allows you to:
- View claims
- Print a Medicare card (one will be mailed to you but if it doesn’t arrive before you need it or you lose your card this is a quick way to get a card)
- Compare plans- talk with a trusted insurance provider or look at the Medicare website. There have been several online options suggested to me. Just be aware that insurance agents, websites, and social media companies are a businesses and they are going to profit from you. I’m not saying that it’s bad but be aware.
- Track coverage. If you are not pleased with your coverage you will have a short windows each year to change plans.
Quick Checklist
☐ Create a my Social Security account
☐ Review your earnings history
☐ Learn about Medicare options
☐ Apply for Medicare 3 months before turning 65
☐ Decide when to start Social Security benefits
☐ Apply for Social Security if desired
☐ Watch for your Medicare card in the mail
☐ Choose a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan
☐ Create a Medicare.gov account
☐ Enjoy retirement!
Final Tips
If you have questions, call Social Security or Medicare directly. A short phone call can prevent costly mistakes and late enrollment penalties. Never give personal information to someone who calls you unexpectedly claiming to be from Medicare or Social Security. (Medicare)
Tips from Our community:
Start early
Get help if you are overwhelmed from a professional
Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into with an advantage plan. There was a lot of information both ways on advantage vs. regular Medicare. Make sure to know about travel coverage and what hospitals you can use.
If your experience is not going well keep calling and asking questions.
For my TRS friends, read the information they send you. I mean, seriously read it.
Moving from TRS Insurance to Medicare: What Texas Retirees Need to Know
If you are a retired Texas educator enrolled in TRS-Care, turning 65 means you’ll need to make some important changes to your health insurance coverage.
The good news? If you plan ahead, the transition can be smooth.
Start Planning 90 Days Before You Turn 65
TRS recommends beginning the Medicare enrollment process about 90 days before your 65th birthday. This gives you time to enroll in Medicare and provide the information TRS needs before your coverage changes.
If you are already enrolled in TRS-Care Standard, TRS will begin sending you information about your Medicare options before you turn 65. (Teacher Retirement System of Texas)
Step 1: Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B
To keep your TRS health coverage after becoming eligible for Medicare, you must enroll in Medicare Part B.
Beginning January 1, 2026, Medicare-eligible TRS-Care participants must be enrolled in and continue paying for Medicare Part B to remain covered by TRS-Care. There are no exceptions. (Teacher Retirement System of Texas)
If you qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A through your own or your spouse’s work history, you should enroll in Part A as well.
Step 2: Share Your Medicare Information with TRS
Once you receive your Medicare number (called your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier or MBI), contact TRS and provide that information.
You can do this by calling:
TRS Health Benefits
Phone: 1-888-237-6762
Website:
https://www.trs.texas.gov/health-benefits/retiree-health/turning-65
TRS uses this information to enroll you in the appropriate Medicare-eligible plan.
Step 3: Understand Your New TRS Coverage
When you become Medicare eligible, your coverage generally changes from:
TRS-Care Standard
to
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage is administered by UnitedHealthcare, and prescription drug coverage is provided through TRS-Care Medicare Rx administered by Express Scripts. (Teacher Retirement System of Texas)
Step 4: Don’t Cancel Coverage Too Soon
Continue your current TRS coverage until your Medicare and TRS-Care Medicare Advantage coverage officially begins.
Most retirees’ Medicare coverage starts on the first day of their birthday month. If your birthday falls on the first day of the month, Medicare generally begins the month before.
Waiting until your new coverage is active helps prevent gaps in insurance.
This is a mistake I made and I almost ended up with a gap in coverage.
Step 5: If Your Spouse Is Younger Than 65
If you turn 65 before your covered spouse becomes Medicare eligible, your spouse may remain enrolled in TRS-Care Standard while you move to TRS-Care Medicare Advantage. (Teacher Retirement System of Texas)
Step 6: Understand the Medicare Part B Premium
You will pay your Medicare Part B premium separately.
If you receive Social Security benefits, the premium is usually deducted from your monthly Social Security check.
If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, Medicare will send you a bill.
Failure to maintain Medicare Part B coverage can result in the loss of your TRS-Care coverage. (Teacher Retirement System of Texas)
Helpful Phone Numbers and Websites
Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
TRS Health Benefits: 1-888-237-6762
General TRS Information: 1-800-223-8778
Turning 65 Resource:
https://www.trs.texas.gov/health-benefits/retiree-health/turning-65
TRS-Care Medicare Information:
https://www.trs.texas.gov/health-benefits/retiree-health/medicare
Much love friends!
Karen
Choosing to Reset 
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