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.

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Medicare information reviewed and updated April 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 — and how to sidestep each.

See the 7 Mistakes To Avoid →

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.

Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.

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

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☎ (785) 843-0288

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