FINANCIALLY FOCUSED

March 2026 Newsletter

TURNING 65? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICARE

This informative Kiplinger article, Turning 65 in 2026? Here Is Exactly How to Sign Up for Medicare, walks through what people turning 65 in 2026 need to know about enrolling in Medicare, including key deadlines, enrollment methods, and coverage choices.

Getting these steps right helps avoid gaps in health coverage and lifetime penalties.

UNDERSTAND YOUR ENROLLMENT WINDOW

Most people qualify for Medicare during a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) that includes the three months before, the month of, and the three months after their 65th birthday. Failing to enroll during this period without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) can lead to higher premiums and delayed coverage.

AUTOMATIC VS. SELF-ENROLLMENT

If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits at least four months before turning 65, you’ll typically be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and receive your card in the mail. Those who are not yet on Social Security must sign up themselves, whether online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office to avoid gaps.

CONSIDER ADDITIONAL COVERAGE

Original Medicare doesn’t include prescription drug coverage or supplemental protection. After enrolling, many choose to add a Part D drug plan and/or Medigap insurance to help manage costs and avoid late-enrollment penalties.

ENROLLMENT PERIOD BEYOND THE IEP

If you miss your IEP but qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (e.g., covered by employer insurance), you can still enroll without penalties. Otherwise, the General Enrollment Period (Jan. 1–March 31) is your next chance, though coverage won’t start until July and penalties may apply.

YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL CAN HELP

Medicare choices can feel overwhelming, especially with multiple enrollment periods, coverage options, and potential penalties to consider. A financial services professional can help you understand how Medicare fits into your broader retirement strategy, whether you’re turning 65 this year, still a few years away from eligibility, or already enrolled and reviewing your coverage.

By looking at healthcare costs alongside income, savings, and long-term goals, professional guidance can help bring clarity and confidence to your Medicare decisions.

WHAT WE’RE READING

Here’s some of the best financial news stories we’ve read lately:

• As we age, speaking to our children and other loved ones about our health, finances, and other important matters can be challenging, but a U.S. News and World Report article, The Talk You Need to Have With Your Kids has some useful tips.
• For many retirees and near-retirees, Social Security is an essential component of their broader financial strategy, so the USA Today article, Don’t forget this Social Security rule that could cost you thousands, is a must-read.
• If you’re curious about what exactly Federal Reserve rate cuts can mean for your finances in both the short-term and long-term, this Yahoo!Finance article, How a Fed rate cut affects your bank accounts, loans, credit cards, and investments, has some answers.
• It’s no secret that healthcare costs are rising, which can cause financial anxiety for both younger workers and workers close to retirement. A CNBC article, Higher health-care costs force financial trade-offs: Investors ‘worry about all these moving pieces’ top advisor says, dives into the topic.
• How about a bit of good news? An AARP article, Second Round of Medicare-Negotiated Price Cuts Expected to Save Billions in Drug Costs in 2027, describes how you might be able to save a bit of money in the near future.

SOURCES

https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/turning-65-in-2026-how-to-sign-up-for-medicare

Links to third-party articles are provided for convenience; we do not control or guarantee the accuracy of third-party content, and such links should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Jeffrey Bird, Ronald Bird and Andrew Bird offer Investment Advisory Services through Gradient Advisors, LLC (Arden Hills, MN 877-885-0508), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Gradient Advisors, LLC and its advisors do not render tax, legal, or accounting advice. Financial Concepts, Inc is not a registered investment advisor and is independent of Gradient Advisors, LLC. Insurance products and services are offered through Jeffrey Bird, Ronald Bird and Andrew Bird, independent agents.

This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, or confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you are not the named addressee, you are not authorized to read, retain, copy, or disseminate this memo or any part of it. If you have received this memo in error, please notify the sender immediately by Email or fax, and destroy all copies of this communication. Please be further advised that, pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, and similar laws, any communication in this e-mail is subject to regulatory, supervisory, and law enforcement review.

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