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    T-65 Guide for Lawrence, KS

    Turning 65 In Lawrence, Kansas

    Everything you need to know about Medicare at 65 — the enrollment windows, the penalty rules, and the four decisions that shape your coverage for life.

    Medicare information reviewed and updated April 2026 · 2026 Part B premium: $202.90/month

    What Happens At 65

    Three things change when you reach Medicare age. Knowing them in advance keeps you out of penalty trouble.

    You Become Eligible

    Medicare eligibility begins the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday falls on the 1st of the month, eligibility actually starts the month before.

    Your IEP Opens

    Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period gives you a window to enroll without penalty: 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and 3 months after.

    Decisions Start

    You choose between Medicare Advantage OR Medigap + Part D. These are separate paths with different trade-offs. The choice you make matters long-term.

    The 7-Month Initial Enrollment Period

    Your IEP runs from 3 months before your 65th birthday through 3 months after. When you enroll within this window determines when coverage starts.

    Month -3
    IEP opens
    First month you can enroll. Coverage starts the month you turn 65.
    Month -2
    Strong enrollment window
    Enroll now for coverage starting the month of your 65th birthday.
    Month -1
    Last month for birthday-month coverage
    Last chance to enroll for coverage starting the month you turn 65.
    Birthday Month
    Coverage may begin
    If you enrolled by Month -1, coverage starts now. Enrolling this month delays start to up to 2 months later.
    Month +1
    Late enrollment
    Coverage starts about 2 months after enrollment.
    Month +2
    Late enrollment
    Coverage starts about 3 months after enrollment.
    Month +3
    IEP closes
    Final month of your Initial Enrollment Period. Miss this window and penalties may apply.

    The Four Decisions At 65

    Most of the long-term consequences of Medicare come down to these four choices. Get them right and the system works for you.

    1

    Part B — enroll now or delay

    Part B costs $202.90/month in 2026. You can delay it only if you have creditable employer or union coverage. Delaying without that coverage triggers a 10% lifetime penalty per 12 months delayed.

    2

    Advantage vs Original Medicare

    This is the coverage path decision. Original Medicare gives you any provider who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage uses networks but bundles more benefits. Each path has trade-offs you live with year to year.

    3

    Part D (if choosing Original Medicare)

    If you go with Original Medicare, you choose a stand-alone Part D plan for prescriptions. Plans differ in formulary (which drugs are covered), pharmacy network, and cost structure.

    4

    Medigap (if choosing Original Medicare)

    Medigap fills the gaps Original Medicare doesn't pay. Plan G is the most comprehensive available to new enrollees. Plan N has lower premiums with small copays. Pricing varies across carriers — same benefits.

    Common Lawrence Scenarios

    Most people turning 65 in Lawrence fit one of these three situations. The right next step depends on which one is yours.

    Retiring at 65 with no prior coverage

    Enroll in Medicare during your IEP. Compare Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D against Medicare Advantage. Confirm your LMH Health and KU Med providers accept your chosen path before enrolling.

    Turning 65 while still working

    Work with HR to confirm whether your group coverage is creditable. If you have an HSA, stop contributions before Medicare enrollment. Employers with fewer than 20 employees usually require Medicare to be primary.

    Turning 65 with retiree benefits

    Retiree health plans usually require you to enroll in Medicare. The retiree plan often becomes secondary. Read your retiree plan documents carefully and coordinate enrollment timing with the plan administrator.
    Penalty Warning

    Late Enrollment Costs You For Life

    Missing your Initial Enrollment Period without creditable coverage triggers a Part B late enrollment penalty of 10% per 12 months delayed, added to your premium for the rest of your life. The Part D penalty is 1% of the national base premium per month delayed.

    Use the penalty calculator on our homepage to see what a delay would cost.

    Open the Part B Penalty Calculator →
    Adam's Approach

    The Four Pillar Medicare Review

    We walk through your Doctors, Prescriptions, Budget, and Lifestyle — in that order — before recommending any path. No assumptions, no shortcuts.

    ☎ (785) 843-0288

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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 insurance agent at Lawrence Senior Insurance
    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

    Ready To Talk Through Your T-65 Decisions?

    A 30-minute call is usually all it takes to understand your options.

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