When you first get Medicare

When you're first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B.

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Example

For example, if you're eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:

• Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65

• Includes the month you turn 65

• Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65

 

Note

If you aren’t automatically enrolled, you can sign up for free Part A (if you’re eligible) any time during or after your Initial Enrollment Period starts. Your coverage start date will depend on when you sign up. If you have to buy Part A and/or Part B, you can only sign up during a valid enrollment period.

 

Note

If you wait until the month you turn 65 (or the 3 months after you turn 65) to enroll, your Part B coverage will be delayed. This could cause a gap in your coverage.

In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You'll have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B and could have a gap in your health coverage.

 

In most cases Medicare Part A (inpatient services) does not come to you with a cost. Medicare Part B (outpatient services) does have a cost to you depending on reported income.

Medicare Part D (RX coverage) does have a cost unless you are covered under a Medicare Advantage plan

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