Turning 65: When and How to Sign Up for Medicare

Updated June 3, 20266 min readReviewed against medicare.gov

You can first sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — a 7-month window that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. To have coverage the month you turn 65, enroll during the 3 months before your birthday month. You sign up through Social Security (ssa.gov), not Medicare itself.

What is the Initial Enrollment Period?

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the first time most people can enroll in Medicare. It is 7 months long: the 3 months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the 3 months after.

When your coverage starts depends on when you sign up. If you enroll in any of the 3 months before your birthday month, coverage begins the first day of your birthday month (or the month before, if your birthday is on the 1st). If you wait until your birthday month or later, coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up.

How do you actually enroll?

Medicare enrollment is handled by the Social Security Administration. There are three ways to sign up for Part A and Part B:

Online at ssa.gov/medicare — the fastest option, usually about 10 minutes.
By phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
In person at your local Social Security office (appointments recommended).

What if I already get Social Security?

If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65, you are usually enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically. Your red, white, and blue Medicare card arrives in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday.

Because Part B has a monthly premium, you can choose to keep it or decline it — but declining it without other qualifying coverage can trigger a lifelong late-enrollment penalty.

What happens if I sign up late?

If you miss your IEP and do not have qualifying coverage (such as active employer insurance), you may pay a Part B late-enrollment penalty of 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but did not — and that penalty generally lasts for as long as you have Part B. Part D has a separate, smaller late penalty.

If you miss the IEP, your next chance to sign up is the General Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31 each year.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to sign up for Medicare at 65 if I am still working?

Not necessarily. If you have qualifying coverage through an employer with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Part B without penalty and enroll later through a Special Enrollment Period. Confirm your situation with your benefits administrator and Social Security before delaying.

Where do I sign up for Medicare?

Through the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov/medicare, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office — not through Medicare directly.

When will my Medicare coverage start?

If you enroll in the 3 months before your birthday month, coverage starts the first day of your birthday month. If you enroll during or after your birthday month, it starts the first day of the following month.

Sources

Related guides

Enrollment & Eligibility

Medicare Enrollment Periods: IEP, GEP, AEP, and SEPs

Medicare Login Guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any government agency. This article is for general information only — confirm current figures and your specific options at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.