When do I Need to Apply for Medicare?

You Become Eligible for Medicare on Your 65th Birthday!

Initial Enrollment Period:

  • The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period lasts 7 total months. This includes 3 months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and 3 months after you turn 65.

Special Enrollment Period:

  • You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period under certain circumstances:
      • Changes to your household
      • Changes in residence; or
      • Loss of health insurance
      • *Certain life events may create special enrollment opportunities under applicable Medicare rules

Medicare Utilization

  • If you retire before age 65, you must enroll in the Initial Enrollment Period when you become eligible for Medicare.
  • Individuals who continue working after age 65 should review Medicare enrollment requirements and their employer health coverage carefully, as coordination-of-benefits rules may vary:
      • Whether you need to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period depends on your employer health coverage and individual circumstances.
  • If retiring after age 65 and are covered by a plan that covers more than 20 employees:
      • You can delay enrolling in Medicare until employment ends, or coverage stops, whichever occurs first. 
      • If you want, you can stay on employer insurance if you continue to work past age 65. 
      • When you retire or lose your employer coverage, you will have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period in which to enroll in Medicare. You will have up to 8 months to enroll in Parts A and/or B, but only the first two months to enroll in Parts C and/or D.

When Does Your Coverage Begin?

    • If you sign up before the month you turn 65, coverage starts on the 1st of the month you turn 65.
    • If you sign up after the month you turn 65, coverage starts on the 1st after the month you turn 65. 

*Medicare enrollment periods, eligibility requirements, and coverage effective dates vary based on individual circumstances and are subject to change, so readers should visit Medicare.gov for the most current information.

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The information presented is for educational and illustrative purposes only and is intended to provide a general overview of Medicare eligibility, enrollment periods, and coverage timing; Medicare rules can be complex, vary based on individual circumstances, and are subject to change, and delaying enrollment when required may result in penalties, higher premiums, or gaps in coverage, so individuals should consult Medicare.gov, the Social Security Administration, their employer benefits department, a licensed insurance professional, or other qualified advisors regarding their specific situation before making enrollment decisions.

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