Happy birthday from Continental Coverage
Born in November 1961? Happy 65th birthday!
Sixty-five is a big one, and worth celebrating. Take a fun trip back to the month you were born, then see a simple, plain-English checklist for Medicare at 65.
A look back
November 1961: the month you arrived
- Space
On Nov. 29 a chimpanzee named Enos orbited the Earth, clearing the way for America’s first astronaut in orbit.
- The #1 song
#1 on the Billboard Hot 100: “Big Bad John” by Jimmy Dean, every week of the month.
- On screen
At the movies: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Flower Drum Song” opened Nov. 9.
- What things cost
A gallon of gas cost about 31¢ on average, and a first-class stamp was 4¢.
- Sports
On Nov. 8, 21-year-old Jack Nicklaus announced he was turning pro. He went on to win 19 major championships.
- Born this month too
Also born this month: actors Ralph Macchio (Nov. 4) and Meg Ryan (Nov. 19).
Pick any month from November 1960 to December 1962.
Prices are U.S. yearly averages. “#1 song” means it topped the Billboard Hot 100 that month.
Coming up
Born in December 1961, or January or February 1962? Your Medicare sign-up window may already be open.
Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts 7 months. It starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after it.
Born in December 1961
Turns 65 in December 2026
Sign-up window: Sep 2026 – Mar 2027
Open now, since September 2026
Born in January 1962
Turns 65 in January 2027
Sign-up window: Oct 2026 – Apr 2027
Open now, since October 2026
Born in February 1962
Turns 65 in February 2027
Sign-up window: Nov 2026 – May 2027
Open now, since November 2026
Born on the 1st of the month? Medicare counts your dates a little differently, and your coverage can start the month before you turn 65. Source: Medicare.gov, “When does Medicare coverage start?”
Your Medicare checklist
What to do when you turn 65
Five plain-English steps. Take them one at a time.
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Know your sign-up window
Your Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months long: the 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. If you sign up before your birthday month, your coverage can start the month you turn 65.
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Get Part A and Part B
Part A is hospital insurance: inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and some home health care. Part B is medical insurance: doctor visits, outpatient care, some home health care and medical equipment.
Some people get Part A and Part B automatically, for example if they already get Social Security benefits. Others sign up through Social Security.
Sources: Medicare.gov, “Parts of Medicare” · “How do I sign up for Medicare?”
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Still working? Check your job-based coverage first
If you or your spouse have health coverage from a current employer, your timing may be different. Some people wait to sign up for Part B. We’ll look at your situation with you before you decide anything.
Source: Medicare.gov, “Ready to sign up for Part A & Part B?”
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Choose how you get your coverage
Original Medicare + Medigap
You keep Original Medicare and can add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to help with costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover, plus a Part D drug plan. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is 6 months, starting the first month you have Part B and are 65 or older. During it, insurers can’t use health questions to turn you down.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
A plan from a private company that Medicare approves. It bundles Part A and Part B, usually includes drug coverage, and many plans include extras like dental or vision. Plans usually use a network of doctors. Benefits vary by plan and area.
Sources: Medicare.gov, “Your coverage options” · “Get ready to buy” (Medigap)
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Let us help you compare
Our licensed agents walk through your options with you, side by side and in plain English: your doctors, your medications and your budget. There’s no cost to talk with us and no obligation to enroll in anything.
Call or ask for a call back
Turning 65? Let’s talk it through
No cost for our help. No obligation. Take all the time you need.
- info@continentalcoverage.comPlease don’t email Medicare numbers or health details. Call us for that.
- Where we help
- Licensed in 15 states: see the listLive in another state? No problem. We’re licensed in 15 states. Reach out and see what we can offer.