How to enroll in Medicare

What are the Original Medicare Enrollment Periods?

You can enroll in Original Medicare Part A and/or Part B during these times:

• Initial Enrollment Period is the seven-month window around your 65th birthday month. This allows you to apply for Original Medicare for the first time.
• General Enrollment Period is every year from January 1 to March 31. This allows you to sign up in case you missed your Initial Enrollment Period.
• Special Enrollment Period is year-round. This is applicable for certain life events, such as if you retire and lose your employer health insurance or are impacted by a natural disaster.

How long in advance should you sign up for Original Medicare?

Most people sign up for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) when they're first eligible, typically at age 65. Signing up at the right time can help you avoid gaps in coverage and costly penalties.

What are Original Medicare late enrollment penalties?

If you don’t enroll when you’re first eligible and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may have to pay late enrollment penalties. These are added to your monthly premium, and usually charged for as long as you have that type of coverage. Penalties increase the longer you wait to sign up.

What are the different parts of Medicare?

Medicare has four parts: A, B, C, and D. Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B, which cover basic hospital and medical coverage. Medicare Advantage (Part C) comes with Parts A and B, plus additional coverage not found in Original Medicare for benefits such as dental, vision, and many also include prescription drug coverage (Part D).

How to sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

You can sign up for Original Medicare at any Social Security office, online, or via phone at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). You may need the following when you apply:

• Your Social Security card (or record of your number)
• Your original birth certificate
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
• A W-2 form if you’re still working

When does your Medicare coverage start?

Your coverage start date depends on when you sign up for Medicare.

If you sign up before the month of your 65th birthday...

Your Medicare coverage will start the month you turn 65.

If you sign up the month you turn 65 or the three months after...

Your Medicare coverage will start the next month.

If you sign up during the General Enrollment Period (January 1-March 31 each year)...

Your Medicare coverage will start the month after you sign up.

If you sign up during a Special Enrollment Period...

Your Medicare coverage will start the next month.

Note: Medicare coverage always starts on the first day of the month. If your birthday is on the first of the month, your coverage will start on the first day of the month prior to your birthday.

What are the Medicare Advantage (Part C) Enrollment Periods?

There are enrollment periods for Part C and Part D plans:

• Initial Enrollment Period is the seven-month window around your 65th birthday month. Most people enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Prescription Drug (Part D) plan in the same month they first enroll in Original Medicare Part A and Part B.
• Annual Enrollment Period is every year from October 15 to December 7. This allows you to make changes to your Medicare Advantage and/or Part D coverage.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is every year from January 1 to March 31. This allows you to change your Medicare Advantage plan just once.
• Special Enrollment Period is year-round. This is applicable for certain life events, such as if you retire and lose your employer health insurance, move out of your current plan’s service area, or are impacted by a natural disaster.