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Life change guide

I'm retiring

When you retire, you may qualify for Medicare, help paying healthcare costs, and property tax relief. Find out what you may get.

Where to start

Retiring is a big change. You may become eligible for new benefits that can help pay for health coverage, medicine, and property taxes.

The programs on this page can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Applying is free, and only the agency decides if you qualify.

Start with Medicare if you're turning 65 or older. Then check if you qualify for help paying Medicare costs. If you own a home, look into property tax relief in your state.

Here's what to do, in order.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Enroll in Medicare when you turn 65

    Sign up for Medicare at 65 even if you're still working. You have a 7-month window around your birthday. Enrolling late may cost you more. Visit [Medicare.gov](https://www.medicare.gov) to apply online or call for help.

    About Medicare
  2. 2

    Check if you qualify for help paying Medicare costs

    If your income is low, Medicare Savings Programs can pay your premiums and out-of-pocket costs. You may also qualify for Extra Help with prescription drug costs. Apply through your state's Medicaid agency.

    About MSP
  3. 3

    Get help paying for prescriptions

    Extra Help with Medicare Part D covers some or all of your drug costs if your income is limited. If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you automatically qualify for Extra Help. Apply through Social Security or your state Medicaid agency.

    About Extra Help
  4. 4

    Look into property tax relief for your home

    Many states offer homestead exemptions, credits, or tax deferrals for older adults. Rules and deadlines vary by state and county. Contact your county assessor or state revenue department to learn what's available where you live.

    About Property Tax Relief

Programs that can help

MedicareCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare is federal health insurance for older adults and some younger people with disabilities.MSPCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare Savings Programs help people with Medicare who have limited income and resources pay Medicare costs such as premiums.Extra HelpSocial Security AdministrationExtra Help may lower what people with Medicare and limited income and resources pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.Property Tax ReliefState revenue departmentsMany states offer property tax relief that may lower property tax bills for some homeowners, such as older adults, people with disabilities and veterans.

Offers that can help

Services from our partners. You never need a paid service to apply for benefits.

Advertiser disclosure
We may earn a commission when you use partner links. Partners never affect which programs we show, how we rank them, or our editorial content. How we make money

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Good to know

Agents may not offer every plan in your area. Medicare.gov lists all plans.