Whether or not you need to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65 depends on your situation.
Do you have any health insurance through an employer, your own or your spouses?
IF YES - Does the employer have 20 or more full time employees?
If the employer has 20 or more full time employees you can postpone enrolling in Medicare for now if you want to. It's a good idea to compare Medicare insurance to your group health insurance, so you make an informed decision. If you do delay enrolling in Medicare Part B, you will get an eight month special enrollment period to sign up for Medicare if and when you leave your job or your employer stops offering coverage [3].
If No, the employer has LESS than 20 employees
You need to take Medicare Parts A and B, and Medicare will be your primary insurance[3].
If you have coverage through a Marketplace plan:
You should sign up for Medicare when you turn 65 and notify your Marketplace plan that you now qualify for Medicare coverage. If you decide to drop your Marketplace coverage when you become eligible for Medicare, make sure your Medicare coverage has started before you cancel your Marketplace plan so that you avoid any gaps in coverage[5].
If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits:
You should be automatically enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B[6].
If you are not receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits:
You will need to actively enroll in Medicare[6].
In general, it's a good idea to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65 to avoid gaps in coverage and a monthly Part B late enrollment penalty[1]. However, the specific timing and enrollment process will depend on your individual situation.
Citations:
[1] https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/working-past-65
[2] https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Find-Your-Provider-Type/Employers-and-Unions/FS3-Enroll-in-Part-A-and-B.pdf
[3] https://www.medicareresources.org/faqs/do-i-need-to-sign-up-for-medicare-at-65-if-im-still-working/
[4] https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/turning-65-when-to-apply-for-medicare/
[5] https://www.kff.org/faqs/medicare-open-enrollment-faqs/im-turning-65-soon-but-i-like-my-current-insurance-do-i-have-to-enroll-in-medicare-will-there-be-penalties-if-i-dont/
[6] https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/medicare-health-coverage-options/original-medicare-enrollment/how-to-enroll-in-medicare-if-you-are-turning-65
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