You can sign up for Medicare starting three months before the month you turn 65

Medicare enrollment opens on the first day of the month three months before your 65th birthday. If you turn 65 in June, you can sign up starting March 1. The standard enrollment period lasts seven months — three months before, the month you turn 65, and three months after. If you miss this window, you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums, so timing matters.

You do not have to wait until your birthday month to enroll. Many people sign up as soon as the window opens to avoid the rush and may support coverage starts on time. If you are already receiving Social Security, Medicare will contact you automatically about two months before you turn 65, but you still need to choose your coverage and confirm your enrollment.

There are three ways to sign up: online through Medicare.gov, by phone with a Medicare representative, or in person at your local Social Security office. Each route takes about the same amount of time, though online is fastest if you have your documents ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Your enrollment window opens three months before you turn 65 and closes three months after, giving you seven months total to sign up.
  • You can enroll online at Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or at your local Social Security office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth date, citizenship or immigration status, and information about current health coverage.
  • If you are still working and have health insurance through your employer, you may be able to delay enrollment without penalty, but you must report this to Medicare.
  • Coverage can start as early as the first day of the month you turn 65 if you enroll by the 15th of the previous month.

What documents and information you need before you start

Gather your Social Security number, date of birth, and citizenship information before you begin. You will also need to know whether you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a may have access to immigrant, as this affects which parts of Medicare you can join.

Have details about any current health insurance ready — the name of your employer or union, your policy number, and the group number if you have one. If you are still working, this information tells Medicare whether you can delay Part B (medical insurance) without a penalty. If you have coverage through a spouse's employer, bring that information too.

If you receive Veterans benefits, have your VA claim number available. If you are on Medicaid, have your state Medicaid number. These programs interact with Medicare enrollment, and having the numbers on hand speeds up the process.

Signing up online at Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and select "Sign up for Medicare" from the homepage. You will create a login account or use an existing one if you already have a Medicare.gov account. The online form asks for your personal information, citizenship status, and details about current coverage.

The online process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. At the end, you will see a summary of what you chose — your coverage parts, any plans you selected, and your effective date. Print or save this confirmation. You will receive a formal notice in the mail within two weeks.

If you get stuck during the online process, you can save your progress and return later. Medicare.gov also has a chat feature during business hours if you have questions about what a field is asking.

Signing up by phone with Medicare

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with a representative. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern time. A representative will walk you through each question and can explain your coverage options as you go.

Phone enrollment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Have your documents in front of you before you call. The representative will confirm your information, ask about your current coverage, and help you choose your plans. At the end of the call, they will give you a confirmation number. Write it down and ask them to mail you a written summary.

Wait times can be long during peak enrollment periods (October through December and the months leading up to your birthday). Calling early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday often means shorter waits.

Signing up in person at Social Security

Visit your local Social Security office to enroll in Medicare. You can find the nearest office at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and information about current health coverage.

A Social Security representative will help you complete the enrollment forms and answer questions about your coverage options. This process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Ask for a receipt showing what you submitted and when.

Social Security offices are often crowded, especially in the months before and after your 65th birthday. Consider calling ahead to ask about wait times, or go early in the morning on a weekday.

When your coverage starts and what happens next

Your coverage start date depends on when you enroll. If you sign up by the 15th of any month, your coverage can start on the first day of the next month. If you enroll after the 15th, coverage typically starts on the first day of the month after that.

If you turn 65 on the 15th or later in a month and enroll by that date, your coverage can start on the first day of your birth month. If you turn 65 on the 1st through 14th and enroll by the 15th of the previous month, coverage starts on the first day of your birth month.

About two weeks after you enroll, you will receive a Medicare card in the mail. Your card shows your Medicare number, which parts of Medicare you have, and your effective date. Keep this card with you and show it to doctors and hospitals. You will also receive a welcome packet with information about your coverage and next steps.

If you are still working or have employer coverage

If you are still working and your employer offers health insurance, you may be able to delay enrolling in Part B without a penalty. This is called the Special Enrollment Period. You must tell Medicare that you have employer coverage when you sign up for Part A, and you must enroll in Part B within eight months of leaving your job or losing your employer coverage.

If you do not report your employer coverage to Medicare and do not enroll in Part B during your initial enrollment period, you will pay a 10% penalty on your Part B premium for each year you were may be able to access but not enrolled. This penalty is permanent and stays with you for life.

If your spouse is still working and you have coverage through their employer, the same rule applies. You can delay Part B, but you must notify Medicare and enroll within eight months of losing that coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I turn 65 but am not yet receiving Social Security?

You can still sign up for Medicare even if you have not started taking Social Security. You will need to enroll separately through Medicare.gov, by phone, or at a Social Security office. Having a Social Security number is required, but you do not need to be receiving benefits.

Can I change my mind after I sign up?

Yes. You have until the end of the calendar year to make changes to your coverage during your initial enrollment period. After that, you can change plans only during the annual open enrollment period in October and November, or if you have a may have access to life event like moving to a new state.

What if I miss my enrollment important date?

If you miss your seven-month window and do not have a may have access to reason, you will pay a permanent penalty on your Part B and Part D premiums. The penalty is 10% of the Part B premium for each year you were may be able to access but not enrolled. You can enroll later, but the penalty stays with you. Some situations, like losing employer coverage, may let you enroll without penalty.

Do I have to choose a plan, or does Medicare assign me one?

You must choose your own coverage. Medicare does not automatically assign you a plan. During enrollment, you will select whether you want Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage plan, and you will choose a prescription drug plan if you want one. If you do not choose, you will not have drug coverage.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You may be able to enroll in Medicare if you are a lawful permanent resident or a may have access to immigrant who has lived in the United States for at least five years. You will need to provide proof of your immigration status when you enroll. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to discuss your specific situation.