How to Sign Up For Medicare

When to Sign Up

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts three months before your 65th birthday month and ends three months after. This gives you a 7-month window to enroll without penalty. The earlier you enroll during this period, the sooner your coverage starts.

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You'll receive your Medicare card in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday.

Step-by-Step Enrollment Process

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility. Check if you qualify based on age (65+), disability status, or specific medical conditions like ALS or ESRD.

Step 2: Enroll in Parts A and B. Apply online at ssa.gov/medicare, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office.

Step 3: Choose Additional Coverage. Decide between Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement and Part D drug plan.

Step 4: Compare Plans. Use Medicare.gov or work with a licensed broker to compare costs, coverage, and provider networks.

Avoiding Late Enrollment Penalties

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and don't have creditable coverage (like employer insurance), you'll face permanent penalties. Part B penalties add 10% to your premium for each 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll. Part D penalties vary based on how long you went without coverage.

If you're still working past 65 and have employer coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that lets you delay without penalty—but you must enroll within 8 months of losing that coverage.

Not sure where to start? Our Medicare enrollment checklist walks through every deadline, the exact SSA.gov forms to file, and includes an interactive penalty calculator so you can see what late enrollment could cost you.