The good news for those turning 65 is the fact you're finally eligible for Medicare, or the federally run health insurance plan for the retired. There are three main components of Medicare you should know about:1
Most people do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A, although you may pay up to $518 per month for Medicare Part A if you haven’t paid Medicare taxes while working. Meanwhile, everyone pays a premium for Medicare Part B. In 2025, the standard Part B premium amount is $185 per month.2
As a side note, you may have heard of Medicare Advantage, which is an "all in one" alternative to regular Medicare. If you opt for Medicare Advantage, you'll be able to purchase a bundle of services and coverage that includes Part A, Part B and potentially Part D. Some Medicare Advantage plans also cover "extras" like dental and vision.
While you can delay enrolling in Medicare at the age of 65 if you have other coverage, this is usually not the best move, particularly when it comes to Part A. Most people have paid enough toward Medicare taxes so they will not be charged a premium for Part A, so there is no reason to delay.
However, there are times it can make sense to delay enrolling in part B. For example, if you have health insurance for medical care separately through your job or a spouse, it can make sense to maintain that coverage and delay paying for Part B of Medicare until you're ready. Just be sure to understand the rules and see if it makes financial sense to delay: you’ll pay a life-long penalty (yes, you read that correctly) if you avoid signing up on time.3
Get a better understanding of Medicare by reading all of the classes in our Medicare Retirement School course.