HomeIntroduction to MedicareWhen to Enroll in Medicare

When to Enroll in Medicare

When should I enroll in Medicare for the first time?



Most people enroll in Medicare for the first time around age 65. Some people may qualify to enroll in Medicare earlier than age 65 with a qualifying disability or medical condition. If you become eligible for Medicare due to age or disability, you will have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period. The rules for enrolling are different if you are enrolling due to a qualifying medical condition.

The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period
 

You can enroll in Medicare for the first time due to age or disability during what's known as the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period.


Learn more about the Initial Enrollment Period  

IEP Timeline for Turning 65
IEP Timeline for Qualifying because of disability

Enrolling in Medicare at 65


Around age 65 you have your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). It is 7 months long and includes your 65th birthday month, the 3 months before and the 3 months after. During this time, you can enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D without penalty.
 

Get the information you need about your Initial Enrollment Period 

Note: if you plan to work past 65 or will have employer coverage through a spouse, your Medicare enrollment options may be different. See the "Do I need Medicare if plan to work past 65?" section below.

Important Medicare Timelines & Dates

Do I need Medicare if I plan to work past age 65?


If you plan to work past age 65 and have health insurance through your employer, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare without penalty. Your Medicare enrollment options will depend on the size of the employer and if your insurance is considered creditable.


Understand your Medicare enrollment options when working past 65  

When to enroll if you can delay Medicare past age 65


If you can delay Medicare past age 65 with creditable employer coverage, you will then enroll during what’s known as a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This is an 8-month period during which you can enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D. However, it's important to know that you only get the first 2 months of your SEP to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan without penalty. Many people don't know this, so it's important to pay attention to when you lose your employer coverage and when you enroll in Medicare.
 

Learn more about the Special Enrollment Period when working past 65  

Do I need Medicare if I am covered by my spouse's insurance?


If you have insurance through a spouse's employer, you may also be able to delay Medicare past age 65. However, this depends on the rules the employer has for covered dependents of Medicare age. Some employers may require covered dependents to enroll in Medicare at age 65 in order to remain on the employer plan. In this case, you'll need to talk directly with the employer's benefits administrator to learn about what you can do about Medicare enrollment.

What if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?


If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), Medicare offers another chance to get coverage. This is known as the General Enrollment Period.

General Enrollment Period


The General Enrollment Period is available to you if you didn't sign up during your IEP. The GEP runs January 1 to March 31 each year. During this time, you can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. If you enroll in Original Medicare during the GEP, you may also be able to add a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or a Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plan between April 1 and June 30 of the same year. Additionally, once you are enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, you can enroll in a Medicare supplement insurance plan.

Will I have to pay late enrollment penalties if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?


Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can be costly. Medicare Part A, Part B and Part D may charge premium penalties if you miss your initial enrollment dates, unless you qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period.


Learn more about Medicare penalties  

I want to enroll in Medicare. What are my next steps?



Once you're ready to enroll in Medicare, you'll want to consider the following next steps:
 

  1. Enroll in Original Medicare Part A and/or Part B
  2. Research additional Medicare coverage you may want—Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, and/or Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plans.
  3. Enroll in any additional Medicare coverage directly with the plan(s) provider.
     

Learn how to enroll in Medicare coverage  

Enrolling in Medicare with a qualifying disability or medical condition


With a qualifying disability, you usually become Medicare-eligible after you've received disability benefits for 24 months. You will have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period that includes your 25th month of disability, the 3 months before and the 3 months after.
 

You may also qualify for Medicare due to Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Enrollment for ALS or ESRD is unique, so you'll want to review the rules for each carefully.
 

Learn how to enroll in Medicare with a qualifying disability, ALS or ESRD  

Already enrolled in Medicare?

Learn how to change Medicare plans  

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