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Turning 65 in St. Louis? Your New-to-Medicare Guide
Turning 65 in the St. Louis area means it is time to enroll in Medicare. Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before your birthday month. Retirement Resources is a local, independent agency that helps new enrollees in Missouri and Illinois compare Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D -- at no cost to you. Call or text the Retirement Resources team at (314) 248-6500.
When do I sign up for Medicare at 65?
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window: the 3 months before your 65th-birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Enrolling during this window keeps your coverage on time and helps you avoid late-enrollment penalties that can stay on your premium for life. If you miss it, your next chance is usually the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31).
Your main choices as a new enrollee
Most people choose between two paths:
- Original Medicare + a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + a Part D drug plan -- more predictable out-of-pocket costs and the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
- A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan -- coverage bundled through a private plan, usually with a network and some extra benefits.
Which path fits depends on your doctors, your prescriptions, your budget, and how much you travel. That is exactly what we help you sort out -- in plain English, with no pressure.
Still working at 65? It is worth a look.
A lot of people are happy with their employer plan and figure they do not need to look at Medicare yet. But Medicare is something you have paid into your entire working life -- you owe it to yourself to compare your options and take advantage of what you are entitled to, if it makes sense for you.
Here is what many people do not realize: whether or not you keep working, once you are Medicare-eligible you are allowed to leave your employer plan and move to Medicare. For many people, a Medicare plan can mean a lower deductible, lower copays, a lower out-of-pocket maximum, a lower premium, and more extra benefits -- but whether it actually comes out ahead depends entirely on your situation, which is exactly why a side-by-side comparison is worth it.
If you or your spouse keep employer coverage, the rules on timing and late-enrollment penalties depend on your employer's size, so it is worth a quick conversation before you decide -- so you do not enroll too early or too late.
How we help -- and what it costs you
Nothing. Our help is free to you; agents are paid by the insurance carriers, and that does not change your premium. When you work with us, you get a local team that has helped thousands of families with Medicare since 2013. Your options are reviewed by our licensed Medicare specialists, including Katie, licensed in Missouri, Illinois, and Florida. We live and work here, represent multiple major carriers, and stay with you year after year.
Serving the St. Louis metro
We help people new to Medicare across our St. Louis home base and the surrounding Missouri and Illinois communities -- including Chesterfield, Ballwin, O'Fallon, Wildwood, Kirkwood, Creve Coeur, and Ladue. And when your family moves, we can stay with you: Retirement Resources is licensed in 15 states and growing, so you do not have to start over with a new agent.
Frequently asked questions
When does my Initial Enrollment Period start and end?
It begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after -- a 7-month window centered on your birthday month.
Do I have to take Part B at 65 if I am still working?
Not always. If you have qualifying employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B without a late penalty and enroll later through a Special Enrollment Period. The right answer depends on your employer's size, so it is worth confirming before you decide.
What is the Part D late-enrollment penalty?
If you go without creditable drug coverage after you are first eligible, Medicare can add a permanent amount to your Part D premium. Enrolling on time, or keeping creditable coverage, avoids it.
Does it cost anything to get help from your team?
No. Our help is free to you, and you pay the same premium whether you enroll through us or on your own.
Talk to a local Medicare team -- free.
Call or text the Retirement Resources team: (314) 248-6500
Request your free Turning-65 review
Send your info and we'll call you back -- no cost, no obligation.