UNITED STATES—Toni, My sister suggested that I send you an email because I’m confused on what to do with enrolling in Medicare since I turn 65 on Jan. 5, 2026. Please help me, Toni, because I’m overwhelmed by the marketing material received for Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period. What do I do?
I’m not sure when is the right time to enroll and what happens if I don’t enroll in a Medicare plan during fall’s enrollment. Looking forward to your answer. Thanks, Toni.
–Scott from San Antonio, Texas
Scott, The answer to your question is you do NOTHING!!! NADA!!! during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (OEP) because you are not 65 yet and have not enrolled in Medicare. Nothing will happen to you if you do not enroll during this year’s OEP.
Next year’s fall Open Enrollment Period (OEP) — which is every year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7– is when you can make a change to your Part D plan and change or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with or without a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Scott, since you are turning 65 in January, you will be in your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period which is a seven-month period that begins three months prior to January, the month of January and three months after. October is three months prior to January and is a good time to begin enrolling in Medicare. At this time, you can explore which Medicare option best fits your specific medical and prescription drug needs. Wait past the final three-month period and Part B and D penalties can begin. (Chapter 1 of Toni’s Medicare Survival Guide Advanced edition explains enrolling in Medicare in detail. Email your enrollment questions to info@tonisays.com)
Below is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) seven-month timeline schedule explained:
- Enrolling anytime three months before turning 65, Medicare begins the first day of the month you turn 65. Since Scott will turn 65 on Jan. 5, 2026, he can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B in October, November, or December (three months prior) for a January 1 effective date.
- Enroll the month you turn 65, then Medicare will begin the first of next month. If Scott enrolls in January, his Medicare will begin February 1.
- Enroll one month after you turn 65, your Medicare will begin first of the next month. If Scott enrolls in February, his Medicare begins March 1.
- Enroll two months after you turn 65, your Medicare will begin the next month. If Scott enrolls in March, his Medicare will begin April 1.
- Enroll three months after you turn 65, your Medicare will begin the next month. If Scott enrolls in April, his Medicare will begin May 1.
Scott, I would discuss with your medical provider what type of Medicare plan–whether it is Original/Traditional Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan HMO/PPO with prescription drug plan– is the right plan for your health situation with the prescriptions you are taking.
**Reader Alert: During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period you do not have to make a change if you are pleased with your current plan, such as a Medicare Advantage plan or stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription drug plan. It is important to always check during every OEP that your current Medicare Part D plan will cover all of your prescriptions, and your doctors or medical facilities will be in the Medicare Advantage plan’s network for the next year.**
Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare, Social Security, and long-term care issues. She has spent nearly 30 years as a top sales leader in the field. If you have a Medicare question, email info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664. Sign up for the Toni Says newsletter at www.tonisays.com to keep up to date on Medicare changes.
