Turning 65 is a big milestone. It’s not just about celebrating another year — it’s also when many benefits and opportunities become available to you. From healthcare coverage to local programs and community perks, here’s a practical checklist to help you start this new chapter with confidence.
Start with Medicare and Health Coverage
One of the first things you should do at 65 is make sure your health coverage is set up right. Medicare can be very complicated, but our trusted partner Chapter can help you. They offer FREE unbiased Medicare guidance to help you navigate all your options. Give them a call at (417) 319-2139 today!
They can help you:
- Enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (three months before to three months after your 65th birthday)
- Decide between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Make sure you have prescription coverage (Part D) or Medigap
- See if you qualify for financial help through Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, or Medicaid.
This one call can save you hours of confusion and help you avoid costly late penalties.
Apply for SNAP or Other Food Assistance
A surprising number of seniors who qualify for food benefits never apply. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help stretch your grocery budget, even if you have modest savings.
- Apply through your state’s Department of Human Services or BenefitsCheckUp.org.
- Many local food banks and community centers can also help you complete the paperwork.
If your income is very low, ask about home-delivered meals or free congregate meals at senior centers.
Connect with Your Area Agency on Aging
Every community in the U.S. has an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that helps older adults find local support. They can connect you with:
- Transportation services
- Home repair and utility assistance
- Nutrition and meal delivery programs
- Caregiver support and legal aid
Find yours at Eldercare.acl.gov or by calling 1-800-677-1116.
Review Your Social Security Options
Turning 65 doesn’t mean you must claim Social Security right away, but it’s a good time to review your benefits. You can:
- Claim now, or wait until your full retirement age (66–67) for a higher monthly payment
- See if you qualify for spousal or survivor benefits
- Learn how working past 65 affects your payments
Visit SSA.gov/myaccount to check your statement and plan ahead.
Schedule Preventive Health Screenings
Medicare covers many preventive services at no cost to you. Take advantage of these free benefits:
- “Welcome to Medicare” visit
- Annual wellness checkup
- Screenings for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more
- Vaccines like flu, shingles, and pneumonia
Staying on top of preventive care helps you stay healthy and catch issues early.
Review Your Budget and Living Situation
Your financial picture may shift at 65, especially if you retire or live on a fixed income.
Take a fresh look at your:
- Monthly expenses: Cut costs where possible.
- Utilities: Apply for programs like LIHEAP for energy bill help.
- Phone: Also check if you qualify for Lifeline, a federal program that offers free or discounted cell phone and internet service for low-income households.
If money is tight, also explore Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.
Check Your Property Taxes and Local Benefits
Many counties and cities offer property tax relief, discounts, or deferrals for homeowners over 65. Call your local assessor’s office or visit their website to ask about:
- Senior exemptions or credits
- Tax freezes or rebates
- Deadlines for applying (these vary by state)
Renew Your Library Card
Your local library offers more than books. Many have free or low-cost classes, senior programs, or even museum passes. It’s also a great way to stay social and keep learning. Ask if your library offers:
- Senior discounts or free printing
- Book clubs or technology help
- Exercise or art workshops
If you prefer something beyond your local library, check your nearby community college or lifelong learning program.
Explore Community College or Lifelong Learning Programs
Many community colleges and state universities offer free or discounted classes for older adults. You can take courses in art, computers, or foreign languages — sometimes even tuition-free if you’re 65+. It’s a fun way to learn new skills, stay active, and meet people your age.
Protect Yourself from Scams
Unfortunately, scammers often target people who’ve just turned 65 — especially around Medicare. Protect yourself by:
- Never sharing your Medicare or Social Security number over the phone
- Shredding sensitive mail
- Ignoring calls or emails that offer “free” equipment or prizes
If something feels off, report it to 1-800-MEDICARE or your state’s Senior Medicare Patrol.
Relief Recap
Turning 65 opens the door to many programs and benefits, but you have to claim them. Start by setting up your health coverage, then look at your food, finances, and community resources. A few phone calls to Chapter, your Area Agency on Aging, and your local library, as examples, can make a big difference in your quality of life and financial peace of mind.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the content on this website are solely those of the content creators and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. All content is intended for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as official positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter disclaims any liability for actions taken based on this content.
If you need assistance with Medicare, please reach out to Medicare, your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), your current Medicare insurance agent/broker/plan, or contact our Medicare partner, Chapter, at 417-319-2139 or visit their website at https://lirlinks.com/chapter. Chapter: Memoir, Inc. d/b/a Chapter is a privately owned, data- and technology-enabled advisory service helping older Americans navigate retirement. Insurance agency services are provided by Chapter Advisory, LLC, a licensed health insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Memoir, Inc. In California, Chapter Advisory, LLC does business as Chapter Insurance Services (Lic. No. 6003691).Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations as well as stand-alone prescription drug plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment depends on the renewal of those contracts. While Chapter maintains a comprehensive database of Medicare plans nationwide and assists in searching all options, Chapter has contracts with many, but not all, plans. Therefore, Chapter does not offer every plan available in your area. Chapter recommends plans even if they are not directly offered through Chapter. For complete Medicare plan options, please visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-Medicare, or contact your local SHIP office.