Medicare Eligibility & Enrollment
Know when you can enroll in Medicare and what you need to do when you’re ready.
| If you... | Then... |
|---|---|
|
Plan to retire at age 65 or are not working, and don't already receive social security |
You can enroll in Medicare benefits |
|
Already receive Social Security retirement, disability, or Railroad Retirement Board benefits |
You'll be enrolled automatically in Medicare Parts A and B |
|
Are currently covered by an employer-provided group health plan and plan to continue working past age 65 |
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 |
|
Have coverage through your spouse’s employer and are over 65 |
You can enroll in Medicare benefits and maintain the coverage through your spouse’s employer |
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare is called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Your IEP starts the three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65 and lasts for the three months after you turn 65. During this 7-month period surrounding your 65th birthday, you can enroll in Original Medicare,a Medicare Advantage (Part C),Prescription Drug (Part D), or Medicare Supplement plan.
If you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B or Part D when you’re first eligible to enroll, then decide later to enroll, you may have to pay a Part B and/or Part D Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP).
IEP is the 7-month period surrounding the month of your 65th birthday.
During your IEP, you can sign up for:
- Part A
- Part B
-
Part C
(Medicare
Advantage) -
Part D
(Prescription
Drug)* -
Medicare
Supplement*
*You can only sign up for Part D and/or a Medicare Supplement plan if you also enroll in Original Medicare.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Every year, from October 15 through December 7, you can switch, drop or join a Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, or Medicare Supplement plan of your choosing. This period is referred to as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). During AEP, you can also enroll in Original Medicare. Your new coverage will begin January 1 of the following year.
AEP runs from October 15 through December 7.
During AEP, you can sign up for:
-
Part C
(Medicare
Advantage) -
Part D
(Prescription
Drug)* -
Medicare
Supplement*
*You can only sign up for Part D and/or a Medicare Supplement plan if you also enroll in Original Medicare.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you are allowed to make a one-time change to another Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare during the Open Enrollment Period. The OEP runs from January 1 through March 31. If you enroll in Original Medicare, you may also purchase a Prescription Drug Plan and/or Medicare Supplement plan.
This is not a guaranteed-issue enrollment period for Medicare Supplement plans.
OEP is from January 1 through March 31.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan during OEP, you can sign
up for:
-
Original Medicare
Part A -
Original Medicare
Part B -
Part C
(Medicare
Advantage) -
Part D
(Prescription
Drug)* -
Medicare
Supplement
*You can only sign up for Part D and/or a Medicare Supplement plan if you also enroll in Original Medicare.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
After certain events, such as a recent move outside of your plan’s service area, or losing your employer or union coverage, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
You may also qualify for an SEP under these circumstances:
- If you have both Medicare and Medicaid.
- 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 paying for prescription drugs.
What Do You Do About Medicare if You’re Working Past 65?
A lot of people reach the age of Medicare eligibility and continue to work. 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. You may want to consider enrolling in Medicare Part A even if you are still working.
For most people, Part A does not charge a Premium. And if you are required to pay a premium for Part A but don’t sign up during IEP, your monthly premium may increase by 10%. As for Part B, which does come with a monthly premium, your options to sign up will be determined by the size of your employer.
Check with your human resources department to see if signing up for Original Medicare Part A and/or 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.
Talk to your employer for assistance with making the best decision for your coverage needs.
How Do You Enroll in Medicare?
Enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B
If you are already getting Social Security Retirement or disability (or Railroad Retirement benefits) when you turn 65:
- You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare).
- You should get a “Welcome to Medicare” packet and Medicare card in the mail from Social Security Administration about 3 months before your 65th birthday.
If you are not yet collecting retirement benefits:
- 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.
Three Ways to Apply for Medicare Parts A and B
Online
Visit Social Security's Website
By Phone
Call the Social Security Administration national customer hotline
At
1-800-722-1213
In Person
Visit Your Local Social Security Office
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