One of the most important, and most misunderstood, parts of Medicare is when to sign up. Enroll at the right time and everything is smooth. Miss your window without other coverage and you can face penalties that last the rest of your life. Here is how the timing works.
Your Initial Enrollment Period
Most people first become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window:
- The three months before the month you turn 65
- The month you turn 65
- The three months after the month you turn 65
Signing up in the first three months usually means your coverage starts the month you turn 65. Waiting until later in the window can push your start date back, so earlier is generally better.
If You Are Still Working
If you (or your spouse) are still working at 65 and have creditable coverage from a current employer, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty and sign up later. Whether you should delay depends on the size of the employer and how that coverage coordinates with Medicare. Because getting this wrong can be costly, confirm your specific situation with your benefits administrator or a licensed advisor before you decide to delay.
Special Enrollment Periods
If you delayed because of qualifying employer coverage, you get a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Part B when that employment or coverage ends, generally without a penalty. Other life events, like moving out of your plan area or losing other coverage, can also open SEPs for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
Not Sure When You Should Enroll?
Timing mistakes can cost you for life. Answer 6 quick questions and a licensed advisor can walk you through exactly when you should enroll for your situation, at no cost.
Check My EligibilityThe General Enrollment Period
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31 each year, with coverage starting later that year. This is the fallback, but it can come with penalties and a coverage gap, which is why it is better to enroll on time.
Late-Enrollment Penalties
If you go without Part B or creditable drug coverage when you were supposed to have it, Medicare can add a late-enrollment penalty to your premiums, and for Part B that penalty generally lasts as long as you have Medicare. Our guides on the Part B penalty and Part D penalty explain how each is calculated. The simplest way to avoid them is to enroll on time or keep creditable coverage.
How to Apply
You apply for Medicare Parts A and B through the Social Security Administration, online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local office. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you may be enrolled automatically. Once you have Parts A and B, you choose any additional coverage, a Medicare Advantage plan, a Part D drug plan, or a Medigap policy. A licensed advisor can help you time everything and pick the coverage that fits.