Eligibility & Enrollment
Know when to apply for Medicare
When Am I Eligible For Medicare?
Enrolling In Medicare For The First Time
You enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, or IEP. Your IEP covers the month you turn 65 and the three months before and after. It’s best to sign up for Medicare early in your IEP so your coverage will begin as soon as you’re eligible. If you miss your IEP or wait too long to sign up, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty. Medicare may not notify you about your eligibility, so it’s important to know your IEP dates and put them on your calendar.
During your IEP, you can enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D.
Can enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D 3 Months Before your 65th birthday
Can enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D 3 Months After your 65th birthday
You can sign up for
If you currently receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you may be automatically enrolled. You’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail a few months before your 65th birthday, and you’ll still have an IEP to make your coverage selections.
Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period
Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment window consists of a six-month period that begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. You can apply for a Medicare Supplement plan after this period, but if you do not have a Special Enrollment Period, you will be subject to medical underwriting.
Six-month period beginning the month of your 65th birthday and you are enrolled in Part B
You can sign up for
Annual Enrollment Period
Every year, you get an opportunity to review your coverage and decide if it’s time to make a change. The Annual Enrollment Period is when you choose your Medicare health and drug coverage for the following year. Annual Enrollment occurs October 15 - December 7 for everyone enrolled in Medicare. During this period, you can keep your existing Part C or Part D plan, if it’s still available, or sign up for a new plan if your needs have changed. Your new coverage will begin January 1.
You can sign up for
How Do I Enroll In A Medicare Plan?
Enrolling In Original Medicare
Remember, Medicare may not notify you about your eligibility and you have to take action to get enrolled. When you’re ready to enroll, you’ll need the following documents:
- Original or copy of your birth certificate.
- Any W-2 forms you have from the last two years.
- Your social security card or number.
You can enroll:
By phone
Call Social Security's national customer hotline
at 800-772-1213
Beyond Original Medicare
After you complete your initial enrollment in Original Medicare Part A and Part B, you can choose additional coverage. Review Medicare Basics to learn more about additional coverage options.
- A
- B
- D
- Supplement
- B
- A
- A
- B
- D
- Supplement
- Part C
Do I Enroll In Medicare If I’m Working Beyond 65?
I have insurance coverage through an employer. Do I have to enroll in Original Medicare?
In most cases, you can choose to delay Medicare enrollment, drop your employer coverage for Medicare or have both Medicare and employer coverage.
In most cases, you will need to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
Enrollment will depend on the employer's rules. Talk to the benefits administrator for details.
You may decide enrolling in Medicare is your best choice even if you can delay. If you enroll in Medicare and have an Employer-sponsored health plan, one will be primary coverage and the other secondary.
Medicare Basics
You have options when it comes to selecting your Medicare coverage. Explore the basic parts of Medicare.
Learn more about MedicareChoosing your plan
There is no "one size fits all" to Medicare plans. Explore what you should consider when selecting your coverage.
Learn more about choosing your planY0083_2024ABM_AEP_WEBPAGES_M CMS Approved
Last updated 10/01/2023
To file a marketing complaint about a sales agent or broker, call 1-800-MEDICARE or the plan’s Customer Service number. When you call, it’s important to provide the agent’s or broker’s name, if possible.