If you are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A. If you need help, just click here.

The 3 enrollment periods to sign up for Medicare

1. INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE

a. When you’re turning 65

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for most people occurs when they turn 65. This is the “Initial Enrollment Period,” and there are no penalties if you sign up during this time.

b. When under 65, due to Disability or ESRD

However, those who are under 65 and have a qualifying disability or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may also be eligible for Medicare and have an IEP.

If someone qualifies for Medicare due to disability, their IEP is based on the month their disability began. They have a seven-month window surrounding this month to enroll in Medicare. For example, if their disability began in February, their IEP would start three months before February, include the month of February, and continue for three months after February.

If someone has ESRD, they may also be eligible for Medicare. Their IEP is based on the month they start dialysis or receive a kidney transplant. Their IEP lasts for seven months, starting three months before their first dialysis treatment or kidney transplant, and ending three months afterward.

During their IEP, individuals can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (medical insurance). If someone is already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, they will be automatically enrolled in both Part A and Part B during their IEP. If someone is not receiving these benefits, they will need to enroll in Medicare themselves by visiting the Social Security website or by calling their local Social Security office.

It’s important to note that if someone misses their IEP, they may be subject to late enrollment penalties. However, those who qualify for Medicare due to disability or ESRD may have special rules that apply and should check with their local Social Security office for more information.

2. SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE

After 65 and you’ve been covered by an employer group health plan

This is a “Special Enrollment Period,” and there are no penalties if you sign up or add Part B during this time.

If you or your spouse have health insurance through your job, you can sign up:

• • • Any time while working and still covered by the group health plan.
    • Within 8 months of the day you or your spouse stop working, even if your group health plan continues for a time.
    • Within 8 months of the group health plan ending while you or your spouse continue to work.

Your coverage begins the month after you sign up.

3. GENERAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE

When you miss the other periods (likely penalties involved)

This is the “General Enrollment Period,” and there is typically a life-long penalty if you sign up during this time.

If you have not filed during the other periods, you can still sign up between January 1 and March 31 each year.

Your coverage begins the month after you sign up.

How to Sign up for Medicare

To sign up for Medicare, you can visit the official website of the Social Security Administration or call them at 1-800-772-1213 to apply. Alternatively, you can visit your local Social Security office in person to sign up for Medicare.

There is also an option to sign up online:

https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up

It’s important to note that if you don’t sign up during your initial enrollment period, which is the seven-month period that begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends three months after it, you may face late enrollment penalties. So, it’s important to sign up for Medicare in a timely manner to avoid any potential penalties.