When and How to Enroll

Enrolling in Original Medicare (Parts A & B) on time is extremely important. Otherwise, you could receive late enrollment penalties.

When to sign up for Medicare

Most people sign up for both Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) when they’re first eligible (usually when they turn 65). Generally, there are risks to signing up later, like a gap in your coverage or having to pay a penalty. However, in some cases, it might make sense to sign up later.

Are you turning 65?

You are eligible for Medicare at age 65

You have a 7 month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare. It includes the month you turn 65, the 3 months before and the 3 months after. It begins and ends a month earlier if your birthday is the first day of the month.

Sign up Early

Coverage begins the first day of your 65th birthday month if your enrollment is completed during the first 3 months of your IEP. It begins the month before if your birthday is on the first. Your coverage start date may be delayed if you sign up later.

You have choices

You may enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B or both. You may also add additional coverage such as a Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare Supplemental (Medigap).

If you have a disability or medical condition

You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B after our 24th month of disability. You will still have a 7 month IEP. Enrollment timing for people with ESRD or ALS is based on the time of diagnosis and other factors

Are you working past 65?

You still have an Initial enrollment period

You have Medicare decisions to make at age 65 even if you have coverage through an employer plan (yours or your working spouse’s) Your IEP happens when you turn 65 whether you continue to work or not. Depending on the employer coverage you have, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare without penalty.

Talk with your employer’s benefits administrator to understand your options and to determine if you coverage is considered “creditable”

You may be able to delay if:
  • The employer has 20 or more employees
  • The employer-provided health insurance is considered “creditable”
  • The emplyer doesn’t require covered spouses to enroll in Medicare at age 65 in order to remain on the employer’s plan

Important: You must stop contributing to a health saving account (HSA) once you enroll in Part A or Part B. Also, get a notice of “creditable drug coverage” from your plan adminisrator. You must have this documentation to avoid the Medicare Part D penalty if you plan on delaying enrollment.

How to sign up for MEdicare

Some people get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically.​

If you have already submitted paperwork for retirement or disability benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board), it also serves as your application for Medicare Once you get approved for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll automatically get Part A coverage (without having to pay a premium for it) once you’re eligible for Medicare.

If you’re getting benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board) at least 4 months before you turn 65, you’ll also be signed up  for Part B. Becuase you pay a monthly premium for Part B coverage. you can choose whether to keep it or not.

Ways to enroll

Contact social security to sign up for medicare
  • Online (at Social Security) – It’s the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. 
  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778
  • Contact you local Social Security office
  • If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772

About 2 weeks after you sign up, you will receive your welcome package with your Medicare card.