When can I enroll in Medicare?

Medicare eligibility begins at age 65 for most people. If you are turning 65 soon, congratulations, you are next up to join the ranks of Medicare beneficiaries. Here are the basics of what you need to get prepared.

The first time you can enroll in Medicare is called your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Your Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months long. It includes:

For most people, this is the best time to sign up for Medicare. Signing up for Medicare coverage during your Initial Enrollment Period can help you avoid late enrollment penalties and other potential complications of late enrollment.

Those who reach age 65 and continue to work may have the choice to stay on the insurance that is offered through their employment. Whether this is advisable, or even preferable, is based on several important factors. Among these factors are cost, benefit provided and, most important, is the coverage considered "Creditable" by Medicare. Not taking Medicare when first eligible and not having "creditable coverage", will lead to delays on subsequent enrollment and potentially penalties that may last a lifetime.

Those who continue their current health plan until retirement may still take Part A, at no cost, if they have paid Medicare taxes for the required period. (Generally, 10 years or more). However, if you continue coverage through an employer, you may also choose to delay enrolling in Part A if you want to continue to contribute to a health savings account (HSA).

You can delay enrollment in Medicare Part A (hospital service) and/or Part B (outpatient medical services) if you are employed at a company whose coverage is considered to be "creditable", without concern for penalties for late enrollment. You may elect Medicare at any time, but you will be required to provide proof of "creditable coverage" and submit form CMS-564 which needs to be completed by your employer and submitted along with form CMS-40B to enroll. COBRA and retiree health plans are not considered creditable coverage.

You will need to also provide formal proof of creditable drug coverage to avoid Part D penalties. The request for this proof (provided by your former health plan) will be requested by CMS via the insurance company who issues your drug card after you sign up for the plan.

If you qualify to delay both Medicare Parts A & B, you can do so without penalty if you enroll within eight months of either losing your (or your spouse's) creditable employer coverage.

Sign up for Medicare Parts A & B can also happen between January 1 and March 31 each year. As of January 2023, Medicare coverage would normally begin the month following the filing. (Late enrollment penalties can apply.)