Lawrence, KS · T-65 Checklist
The Turning 65 Medicare Checklist For Lawrence Residents
A month-by-month action guide so you don't miss anything that matters.
(785) 843-0288 Jump to the checklist ↓Medicare information reviewed and updated July 2026 · 2026 Part B premium: $202.90/month
Why Timing Matters
Medicare has hard deadlines. Miss the wrong one and you can pay a Part B late enrollment penalty of 10% per 12 months delayed, for the rest of your life. The Part D penalty is 1% per month delayed, also lifetime.
This checklist is built around your 65th birthday. Start at the section that matches where you are now.
Timing
6 Months Before 65
Gather your medical provider list
Include LMH Health, KU Med, primary care, and specialists. You'll need this when comparing plan networks.
List all current prescription medications
Include dosages and your preferred pharmacy. Part D plans differ widely in what they cover.
Read the basics on Medicare Parts A, B, C, D
Use Medicare.gov or our homepage. A 30-minute orientation makes every later decision easier.
If still working: ask HR if your coverage is 'creditable'
Get the answer in writing. This determines whether you can safely delay Part B.
Check if you're already enrolled in Social Security
If yes, Medicare Parts A and B enrollment will happen automatically.
Timing
3 Months Before 65, IEP Opens
If NOT on Social Security: apply for Medicare
Apply through ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at the Lawrence Social Security office.
Watch for your Medicare card in the mail
If auto-enrolled, your card arrives about 3 months before your 65th birthday.
Compare Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare + Medigap
These are the two main paths. Each has different trade-offs around providers, costs, and flexibility.
Verify your Lawrence doctors' Medicare participation
Call each office directly. Network status can change, don't rely only on online directories.
Schedule a no-cost consultation with a licensed KS agent
Adam can walk you through your specific situation: (785) 843-0288
Timing
2 Months Before 65
Review specific Part D plans against your medication list
Match the formulary to your drugs. Check Dillons, CVS, Walgreens, or your preferred pharmacy for preferred-network status.
If choosing Medigap: compare Plan G, Plan N, and other standardized plans
Same benefits across carriers, different premiums. Shopping matters.
Decide on your coverage path with confidence
By this point you should know your direction and the specific plan you'll enroll in.
Timing
1 Month Before 65
Complete enrollment in your chosen plan
Submit your application. Confirmation usually arrives within a week.
Confirm effective date matches your Medicare Part A/B start
Coverage gaps cause real problems. Verify the start date in writing.
Set up payment method for monthly premiums
Most carriers offer auto-pay, monthly billing, or quarterly billing options.
Timing
Birthday Month
Coverage begins (if enrolled in prior months)
Welcome to Medicare. Your card and plan card go in your wallet.
Carry your Medicare card and plan card with you
Doctor's offices need to see both at every visit until they update their files.
Notify your doctors of your new coverage
Bring your cards to your next appointment so the office can update billing information.
Timing
Within 3 Months After 65
IEP closes, final chance to enroll without late penalties
If you haven't enrolled yet, do not wait past the end of Month +3.
Review first medical bills to confirm coverage is working correctly
Catch billing errors early. If something doesn't look right, call your plan.
Timing
First October After 65
Annual Enrollment Period opens Oct 15, Dec 7
Every Medicare beneficiary can review and change plans during this window each year.
Review whether your current plan still fits
Plans change every year. Drug formularies, networks, and premiums all shift.
Switch if needed for coverage effective Jan 1
Changes made during AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year.
Want To Avoid Common Mistakes Too?
We've seen the same enrollment mistakes cost Lawrence seniors thousands. Here are the seven biggest ones
- Missing the Initial Enrollment Period - waiting past your 65th birthday without enrolling leads to penalties.
- Not checking if your employer coverage is creditable - assuming it is can cause a late‑enrollment penalty for Part B.
- Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan without confirming doctor participation - you may lose access to your preferred providers.
- Skipping the Part D formulary review - your medications might not be covered, resulting in higher out‑of‑pocket costs.
- Delaying the Medigap decision - waiting too long can limit your options and increase premiums.
- Failing to set up automatic premium payments - missed payments can cause a lapse in coverage.
- Ignoring the Annual Enrollment Period - you miss the chance to switch to a better plan each year.
Adam
Licensed Kansas Agent · AHIP Certified
Lawrence native · Free State HS · BS Finance, KU
Talk With Adam. No Pressure, No Cost.
I grew up in Lawrence, graduated from Free State High School, and earned a BS in Finance from the University of Kansas. Most of the people I help are turning 65 or reviewing their current Medicare coverage.
No pressure, no sales pitch. Just clear answers when you're ready to talk.
(785) 843-0288