Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Window: Don't Miss It

When you turn 65, you get a limited window to sign up for Medicare. Miss it and you may face higher costs for as long as you have coverage. Knowing the dates ahead of time makes the process much easier.

Key takeaways

• Your first window lasts seven months
• It starts three months before the month you turn 65
• Waiting can lead to lifelong late penalties in some cases
• If you have work coverage, different rules may apply

How the window works

Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday. It includes your birthday month and ends three months after. That adds up to seven months.

1. Three months beforeYour window opens
2. Birthday monthCoverage can start the first of this month if you sign up early
3. Three months afterYour window closes

Signing up in the first three months generally means coverage can begin sooner. Signing up later in the window can delay the start date.

Do you need to sign up yourself?

It depends. If you already receive Social Security benefits, you are generally enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. If you do not, you usually need to sign up yourself, through Social Security. Check your own situation rather than assuming.

What late enrollment can cost

Part A is premium-free for many people who have enough work history. Part B has a monthly premium. If you do not sign up for Part B when you first can and you do not have other qualifying coverage, you may pay a late penalty. It is added to your premium for as long as you have Part B.

The same idea applies to Part D drug coverage. Going without creditable drug coverage can add a penalty later.

If you are still working

If you or your spouse are still working and have coverage through that job, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty. Rules differ depending on the size of your employer and the type of coverage. Retiree coverage and COBRA generally do not count the same way as current employer coverage.

When the job coverage ends, a Special Enrollment Period lets you sign up for Part B. It is a limited time, so mark the date.

Questions to bring to your first review

1. Am I already receiving Social Security?
2. Do I have coverage through work, and how big is the employer?
3. Do I have a Health Savings Account I am still adding to?
4. How will my income affect my premiums?

Sources and references

• Medicare.gov: When does Medicare coverage start? (opens in a new tab)
• Medicare.gov: Part B late enrollment penalty (opens in a new tab)
• Social Security: Apply for Medicare (opens in a new tab)

This article is general information, not tax, insurance or investment advice for your situation. Medicare rules change over time. Platinum Tax Advisory does not sell Medicare plans.