How and When to Sign Up for Medicare
Understanding Enrollment Periods and Eligibility
For some, Medicare enrollment happens automatically. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, your coverage will begin on the first day of the month you turn 65.1
If you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits at 65, you may be delaying them until full retirement age or even until 70. However, you can still apply for Medicare. If you are approaching 65 and not receiving Social Security, SSDI, or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you can determine your eligibility and apply by visiting your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office or going online at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.1
If you are receiving Social Security benefits as you approach 65, you will automatically receive a Medicare card in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday. If you are receiving SSDI, your Medicare card should arrive in the 25th month of your disability, regardless of your age. To qualify for Medicare, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident, and either you or your spouse must have earned enough work credits—typically accumulated over 10 years.2
Key Medicare Enrollment Periods
Medicare offers specific windows for enrolling or making changes to your coverage:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This seven-month window begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn 65, and extends three months after. During this time, you can enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Missing this window may result in higher costs if you enroll later.1
Medicare Open Enrollment Period: Once enrolled, you can only make changes to your coverage at certain times. The annual open enrollment period for Medicare Part D (prescription drug plans) runs from October 15 to December 7, with new coverage taking effect on January 1.1
Do you have questions?
If you have questions about your eligibility—or that of a parent—the Social Security Administration is your best resource. Visit www.medicare.gov or www.cms.gov for additional details.
Sources:
1 medicare.gov, October 20, 2020
2 aarp.org, October 1, 2020
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