Call a licensed Medicare agent. 1-888-902-5708 (TTY 1-800-955-8770)
Are you eligible for Medicare?
You're eligible for Medicare if you are:
- 65 years or older, and a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident who has lived in the U.S. for five full years before applying
- under 65 but have a qualifying disability, diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
If you plan to retire at age 65 or are already retired and don’t receive Social Security yet, then you can enroll in Medicare benefits.
If you already receive Social Security retirement, disability, or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, then you’ll be enrolled automatically in Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare).
If you are currently covered by an employer group health plan and plan to continue working past age 65, then you can still enroll in Medicare. Talk to your human resources department before you enroll to ensure you’re making the best decision for you.
If you have coverage through your spouse’s employer and are over age 65, then you can enroll in Medicare benefits and keep the coverage through your spouse’s employer.
When can you enroll in Medicare?
There are certain times when you can enroll in Medicare or switch to a new Medicare plan. When you enroll affects what guidelines you have to follow and what type of Medicare plan you can choose. Get to know your enrollment options.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is when you first become eligible to enroll in Medicare, which for most people is around their 65th birthday.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
starts 3 months before the month you turn 65
includes the month you turn 65
ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
During your IEP 7-month period, you can sign up for:
Part A
Hospital Insurance
Part B
Medical Insurance
Part C
Medicare Advantage*
Part D
Prescription Drug**
Medicare Supplement
(also called Medigap)*
*You can only sign up for Part C (Medicare Advantage) or a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan if you also enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
**You can sign up for stand-alone Part D (Prescription Drug) plans if you have Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B.
Avoid the Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP)
If you don’t enroll in Part B and Part D coverage when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay a Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP). There are some special circumstances where you can sign up later. For example, if you’re still working and have group health insurance through your employer, you may be able to wait to enroll in Medicare.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Every year, during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), you can switch, disenroll, or join a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan of your choice. During AEP, you can also enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Your new coverage will begin January 1 of the following year.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
begins October 15
ends December 7
During AEP, you can sign up for:
Part C
Medicare Advantage*
Part D
Prescription Drug**
Medicare Supplement
(also called Medigap)*
*You can only sign up for Part C (Medicare Advantage) or a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan if you also enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
**You can sign up for stand-alone Part D (Prescription Drug) plans if you have Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make a one-time change during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP).
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
begins January 1
ends March 31
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan during OEP, you can switch to:
Part A
Hospital Insurance
Part B
Medical Insurance
Part C
Medicare Advantage*
Part D
Prescription Drug**
Medicare Supplement
(also called Medigap)*
*You can only sign up for Part C (Medicare Advantage) or a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan if you also enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
**You can sign up for stand-alone Part D (Prescription Drug) plans if you have Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Certain events allow you to make a change to your coverage during the year. For example, if you move outside your plan’s service area or lose your employer coverage, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
You may qualify for an SEP under these circumstances (not an all-inclusive list):
If you lose group health coverage from your spouse's employer
If you move away from your current plan's service area
If your insurance company cancels your health plan
If you get Extra Help from Medicare to pay for prescription drugs
I’m working past age 65. What about Medicare?
A lot of people work past age 65. Many have health insurance through their employers. Depending on your situation as you turn 65, you may or may not have to enroll in Medicare. However, you may want to consider enrolling in Medicare Part A even if you are still working. Check with your employer’s human resources department to see if signing up for Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B would be a good idea for you. They should also be able to tell you if your employer requires you to enroll in Original Medicare. If you don't enroll in a Medicare plan, your employer's plan may not cover services that Medicare covers. You may risk having to pay a Late Enrollment Penalty for Medicare if you don’t enroll when you are first eligible.
Being new to Medicare can be confusing. Let's work it out.
How do you enroll in Medicare?
Medicare enrollment doesn’t automatically happen when you turn 65.
Here’s how to enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Enrolling in Medicare Parts A & B
- You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
- You should get a “Welcome to Medicare” packet and Medicare card in the mail from the Social Security Administration about 3 months before your 65th birthday
- You need to contact Social Security to apply for Medicare
- It is best to apply 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you do not apply, you will not be enrolled in Medicare
- Online: Visit Social Security’s website
- By phone: Call the Social Security Administration national customer hotline at 1-800-722-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call, 1-800-325-0778
- In person: Visit your local Social Security office
What you may need
- An original or certified copy of your birth certificate
- Proof of United States citizenship or legal residency (if you weren’t born in the U.S.)
- Any W-2 forms you have from the last two years
- Your Social Security card or number
With health solutions from Florida Blue, you can get more Medicare benefits for less.
Ready to enroll?
Shop Florida Blue Medicare plans—we have health solutions for your unique needs.
Medicare Advantage
(Part C)
Prescription Drug
(Part D)
Medicare Supplement
(Medigap)
Call a licensed Medicare agent.
1-888-902-5708
(TTY 1-800-955-8770)
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Medicare Educational Resources
Find more resources and helpful information in our Medicare education library.
Medicare Basics Guide
July 2024
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