Medicare Enrollment Resources
Know when to enroll—and what comes next.
Steps Toward Enrolling in Medicare
Turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare can feel overwhelming. Understanding when to enroll, which parts of Medicare you need, and how your existing health coverage may work with Medicare can help you avoid unnecessary costs and potential gaps in coverage.
Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65, while others may qualify earlier because of a disability or certain medical conditions. If you're approaching Medicare eligibility, it's important to understand your enrollment options and deadlines before making decisions about your coverage.
When Does Medicare Start?
Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) generally begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month.
If you enroll during the first three months of your Initial Enrollment Period, Medicare coverage generally begins the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday is on the first day of the month, your coverage can begin the first day of the previous month. If you wait until the month you turn 65 or one of the following three months to enroll, your coverage start date may be later.
Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if they are already receiving Social Security benefits when they become eligible. If you are not automatically enrolled, you may need to actively sign up for Medicare through Social Security.
Before You Enroll in Medicare Part B
Part B provides coverage for physician services, outpatient care, preventive services, and other medically necessary services. Unlike Part A, Part B generally has a monthly premium.
Before enrolling in Part B, consider whether you or your spouse is still working and you have health coverage through an employer or union based on that current employment.
If you or your spouse are continuing to work and you have qualifying employer group health coverage, you may be able to delay Part B without paying a late enrollment penalty and enroll later during a Special Enrollment Period. However, the rules can depend on the size and type of employer coverage and your individual circumstances.
An important consideration: If the employer has 20 or more employees, the employer group health plan generally pays first and Medicare pays second when you're 65 or older and covered through current employment. If the employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare generally pays first. Because there are exceptions and other circumstances that can affect how coverage coordinates, it's important to understand your specific situation before deciding to delay Part B.
COBRA and retiree coverage generally do not provide the same protection as coverage based on current employment, so don't assume that you can delay Part B without consequences simply because you have other insurance.
Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties
If you're eligible for Medicare Part B and don't enroll when you're first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or another exception.
The Part B late enrollment penalty is generally 10% of the standard Part B premium for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't enroll. In most cases, the penalty is added to your monthly Part B premium for as long as you have Part B.
If you went 24 full months without Part B and didn't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, the penalty would generally be 20% of the standard Part B premium.
The good news is that many people who delay Part B because they have qualifying coverage through their own or their spouse's current employment can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and avoid the late enrollment penalty.
How to Enroll in Medicare
If you need to actively enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B, you can generally apply through the Social Security Administration.
You can enroll:
Online
Visit Social Security's official Medicare enrollment page to apply for Part A and Part B.
By Phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, generally from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY 1-800-325-0778.
In Person
You can also contact your local Social Security office. An appointment may be required, so it's a good idea to contact the office before visiting.
What Happens After You Enroll?
Once you have Medicare Part A and Part B, you'll have several options for additional Medicare coverage. Depending on your circumstances, you may consider:
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare Advantage plans provide an alternative way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits and may include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits. Medigap policies work alongside Original Medicare to help with certain out-of-pocket costs. Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
The right choice depends on your individual circumstances, including your doctors, medications, preferred hospitals and pharmacies, budget, and the type of coverage you want.
We're Here to Help
Medicare enrollment doesn't have to be confusing. Our licensed insurance agents can help you understand the different types of Medicare coverage available and explain the steps involved in choosing coverage after you've enrolled in Medicare.
Medicare enrollment rules, eligibility requirements, coverage start dates, premiums, penalties, and enrollment periods can vary depending on your individual circumstances. This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for official Medicare or Social Security guidance. For questions about enrolling in Medicare Part A or Part B, contact Social Security or visit Medicare.gov.
Let’s make your next Medicare decision clearer.
No obligation to enroll.
