Chewy, I'm signing up for Medicare part A only tonight. I just turned 65 and still have a good full time job with two pensions and good health plan. Signing up for Medicare is required at 65 so the health insurance can tap into that for hospitalization. All the part B,D stuff is not until I actually retire. Any health insurance company that provides these plans is required by law, I believe, to provide certified non-shyster counselors to guide people through this process. Free retirement seminars are easy to find and attend. I've been to several although they can be a little boring.