As you make your decisions about Medicare, keep your current health coverage in mind. This could be retiree health coverage from your former employer or your union, if you’ve retired.

You’ll need to find out whether you can keep any coverage you currently have, and what your costs might be.

You may have more choices available to you than the standard choices described in this guide.

If you’re still working, you may have health coverage from your current job.

Or you may have purchased your own health insurance.

If you’re turning 65, you have an opportunity to enroll in a Medicare plan.

You can enroll three months before the month you turn 65, the month of your birthday and three months after.

If you wait to enroll in a plan, there is a chance you’ll have fewer plan choices, and you may have to pay more.

You’re 65 or older, or have a qualified disability.

You’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for five consecutive years.

The Social Security Administration handles most of the paperwork for joining Medicare.

The first letter you get in the mail about Medicare will probably come from Social Security.

If you’re drawing Social Security benefits when you turn 65, Social Security will automatically enroll you in Medicare Part A and Part B.

Social Security can also help you find out if you’re eligible for extra help with the cost of Medicare coverag.

If your health care needs change over time.

So will the health plans you want to choose.

You’re not locked into one plan permanently.

You’ll have an opportunity to change plans at least once a year.

Even if you’re already collecting Social Security, you must wait until you’re 65.

You must be 65. Your spouse’s age doesn’t count.