When Can I Sign Up for Medicare? A Simple Guide to Getting Started
Shari Kantor • May 21, 2025
When Can I Sign Up for Medicare?
Medicare is a vital resource for millions of Americans, offering health coverage to those 65 and older, and to some younger individuals with specific disabilities. One of the most common—and important—questions people have is: When can I sign up for Medicare?
If you're approaching 65 or helping a loved one through the process, understanding the Medicare enrollment timeline can save you from delays, penalties, and coverage gaps.
📅 Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare Parts A* & B is during your Initial Enrollment Period, which spans seven months:
• Starts: 3 months before your 65th birthday month
• Includes: The month of your 65th birthday
• Ends: 3 months after your 65th birthday month
If you enroll during the three months before your birthday, your coverage typically starts the first day of your birthday month. If you enroll after your birthday month, coverage may be delayed.
*Do I still have to enroll in Part A when I turn 65?
You DO NOT
have to enroll in Part A when you turn 65 provided you're covered by a creditable employer health insurance plan (from an employer with 20+ employees). In this case, you won’t
face a penalty
for delaying enrollment in Part A.
🔁 General Enrollment Period (GEP)
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period for Part B and DO NOT
have "Creditable Employer Coverage", you will have to enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. Coverage starts the 1st of the month following your application date, but you may face late enrollment penalties for Parts B & D.
✅ Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
If you're still working at 65 and have health insurance through your employer (or your spouse’s), you will qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Provided your plan is "Creditable" (which most Employer Plans are), you will be entitled to sign up for Medicare late without a penalty:
• You can enroll any time you're still covered by the employer plan
• Or during the 8-month period after that coverage ends
💊 What About Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)?
Unless you have Employer Insurance Coverage*, You should sign up for Part D (or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage) when you're first eligible—even if you don't take medications now. Late enrollment can mean higher premiums later.
Similar to Part B rules, if your plan is "Creditable" (which most Employer Plans are), you will be entitled to sign up for Part D late without a penalty.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Navigating Medicare enrollment can feel overwhelming, but knowing when to act is half the battle. Whether you're preparing to retire or coordinating care for a family member, marking your Medicare enrollment windows on the calendar is a smart move.
If you'd like help choosing the right plan or understanding what Medicare covers, I'm here to assist. Just ask!
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