Your Arizona 2026 "Turning 65" Medicare Checklist
A step-by-step timeline to ensure you enroll on time, avoid penalties, and pick the right plan.
Don't Guess—Plan with a Local Expert
I’m Bill Toth. As a **Veteran** and **Cancer Survivor**, I know how critical it is to have your healthcare locked in *before* you need it. In Arizona, you have a 7-month window to get this right. Let’s make sure you do.
The Medicare Enrollment Timeline
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window: 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and 3 months after.
📅 6–9 Months Before: The Education Phase
- Determine Eligibility: Confirm you (or your spouse) have worked the required 10 years to qualify for premium-free Part A.
- Check Your SSA Account: Log in to SSA.gov to ensure your mailing address is correct so your "Welcome to Medicare" kit arrives.
📅 3 Months Before: The Enrollment Phase
- Sign Up for Part A & B: If you aren't already receiving Social Security, you must manually sign up through Social Security.
- Analyze Employer Coverage: If you are still working, call Bill Toth to see if your employer plan is "creditable" or if Medicare would be a better value.
📅 1 Month Before: The Decision Phase
- Choose Your "Path": Decide between **Original Medicare + Medigap** or a **Medicare Advantage (Part C)** plan.
- Review Medications: Arizona Part D drug plan formularies change every year. Make sure your specific prescriptions are covered at the lowest cost.
Common Arizona Mistakes to Avoid
Missing the IEP: Resulting in lifetime late-enrollment penalties.
Network Gaps: Choosing a plan that your favorite Phoenix doctor doesn't accept.
HSA Conflicts: Contributing to an HSA after you've started Medicare Part A.
Pro Tip: The "1st of the Month" Rule
In Arizona, if your birthday falls on the **1st of the month**, your entire enrollment window moves up by **one full month**. If this is you, you need to act even sooner!
Ready to Start Your Enrollment?
Let Bill Toth handle the paperwork and the plan comparisons for you—at no cost.
📞 Schedule Your Turning 65 Consultation