If you haven’t, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare. If you are younger than 65, your Initial Enrollment Period starts three months before the month of your 65th birthday. If you’re over 65, you can enroll after you retire as part of a Special Enrollment Period. You can start enrollment three months before your planned retirement date.

If you postponed Medicare enrollment in order to contribute to your HSA, you’ll need to stop those contributions early. Have your employer stop any automatic contributions (either through payroll deduction or from the company) six months before your planned retirement date — this will save you a big hassle at tax time!

If you postponed enrollment because you were covered by your employer’s health plan, you may need your employer to fill out a form proving that you had health insurance. Make sure to gather and complete the proper forms before saying goodbye!

Medicare premiums change yearly and so do other expenses like deductibles, prescription drug coverage, and Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA). Budget accordingly!

Once you have your Medicare card, we will help you navigate the rest. There are countless factors in considering your ideal Medicare policy (travel plans, medical needs, and payment preference to name a few). Don’t worry, your SmartConnect licensed agent will guide you through everything in one simple call. We’ll discuss your retirement goals with you to determine which options work for your new lifestyle and budget.