Eligibility is not the same as a one-size-fits-all deadline
Many people become eligible for Medicare at 65. Whether they should enroll in Part A, Part B, Part D, or other coverage immediately depends on their situation.
Employer coverage changes the analysis
Active employer group coverage, retiree coverage, COBRA, marketplace coverage, and HSA contributions can all affect the best timing.
Penalties and gaps are the risk
The reason to ask early is simple: wrong timing can create late penalties, coverage gaps, or avoidable premium costs.