The Age When You Can Enroll in Medicare

You can enroll in Medicare starting at age 65

Medicare may be able to access begins on the first day of the month you turn 65, or the month after, depending on your birthday. You do not have to wait until your actual birthday to sign up — you can enroll during the three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, or the three months after. This seven-month window is called your Initial Enrollment Period.

If you miss this window, you can still enroll later, but you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums. The penalty increases the longer you wait after age 65, so enrolling on time matters even if you do not plan to use Medicare right away.

There is one exception: if you are still working and covered by your employer's health plan, you may be able to delay enrollment without penalty. This is called creditable coverage, and it requires that your employer plan covers at least as many people as Medicare does. You will need to verify this with your employer's benefits office before you decide to wait.

Key Takeaways

You become may be able to access for Medicare on the first day of the month you turn 65, and you have a seven-month window to enroll without penalty.
Enrolling late after age 65 adds a permanent surcharge to your Part B and Part D premiums that never goes away.
If you are still working and have health coverage through your employer, you may be able to delay enrollment, but only if your employer plan is considered creditable coverage.
You can enroll online through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at your local Social Security office.

What happens if you enroll before age 65

You cannot enroll in Medicare before age 65 unless you meet one of two conditions. The first is that you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months. If you have been on SSDI since age 62, for example, you become may be able to access for Medicare at age 64. The second condition is that you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) — permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant — regardless of your age.

If either of these applies to you, Medicare enrollment works differently. You will be enrolled automatically in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) once you meet the requirement, though you still need to enroll in Part B (medical insurance) separately if you want it. Contact Social Security or your dialysis center to confirm your enrollment status.

How to enroll when you turn 65

You have three ways to enroll: online, by phone, or in person. The online method is fastest. Go to Medicare.gov, log in or create an account, and follow the enrollment steps. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and information about any current health coverage.

If you prefer to enroll by phone, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number and current insurance information ready.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of age. If you enroll in person, you will receive a receipt on the spot.

What to do if you miss your enrollment window

If you do not enroll during your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period and you do not have creditable coverage from an employer, you will face a late enrollment penalty. For Part B, the penalty is 10 percent of the standard premium for each full year you were may be able to access but not enrolled. For Part D (prescription drug coverage), the penalty is 1 percent of the national average premium for each month you were late. Both penalties are permanent and added to your monthly bill for as long as you have Medicare.

You can still enroll after your Initial Enrollment Period ends, but only during the General Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 through March 31 each year. Coverage begins July 1 of that year. If you enroll in January, you wait six months. If you enroll in March, you wait four months. This delay is another reason to enroll on time.

If you believe you have a valid reason for missing your important date — such as a serious illness, a move, or incorrect information from Medicare — you can request a Special Enrollment Period. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about this option.

Employer coverage and delayed enrollment

If you are still working at age 65 and your employer offers health insurance, you may not need to enroll in Medicare right away. Your employer plan must be creditable coverage, meaning it covers at least as many services as Medicare Part A and Part B combined. Most employer plans meet this standard, but not all.

Ask your employer's benefits office or human resources department whether your plan is creditable coverage. They should be able to tell you in writing. If it is, you can delay enrolling in Part A and Part B without penalty as long as you are still employed and covered by that plan. Once you leave your job or lose the coverage, you have eight months to enroll in Medicare without penalty.

Part D (prescription drug coverage) has different rules. If you have creditable drug coverage through your employer, you can delay enrolling in Part D without penalty. But you must tell Medicare that you have creditable coverage when you enroll, or you will face a permanent penalty on Part D premiums.

Medicare enrollment for spouses and dependents

Your spouse becomes may be able to access for Medicare at age 65, regardless of whether you are enrolled. They have their own seven-month Initial Enrollment Period and must enroll separately. You cannot enroll them, and their enrollment does not affect your coverage or premiums.

Medicare does not cover dependents. If you have adult children or other family members under age 65 who need health coverage, they will need to explore other options such as the Affordable Care Act marketplace, Medicaid, or employer coverage.

Questions to ask your doctor or Social Security office

Before you turn 65, schedule a conversation with your doctor about your Medicare options. Ask whether they accept Medicare and whether they recommend Part B, Part D, or a Medicare Advantage plan based on your current medications and health needs. If you see multiple doctors, ask each one about their Medicare participation.

Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about your specific situation. Tell them about any employer coverage you have, any disabilities you receive benefits for, and any chronic conditions that might affect your coverage choices. They can walk you through the enrollment process and answer questions about penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enroll in Medicare before I turn 65 if I am not disabled?

No, unless you have End-Stage Renal Disease. If you have ESRD, you become may be able to access for Medicare regardless of age. Otherwise, you must wait until age 65 or until you have been on Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months.

What if my birthday is on the first of the month?

Your Medicare may be able to access begins on that date. Your seven-month enrollment window starts four months before your birthday and ends three months after. If your birthday is January 1, you can enroll starting September 1 of the previous year through April 1 of that year.

Do I have to enroll in all parts of Medicare at once?

No. You can enroll in Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) during your Initial Enrollment Period. Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medicare Advantage plans have their own enrollment periods. However, delaying Part B or Part D after your Initial Enrollment Period will result in a permanent penalty.

What if I am still working and my employer stops offering health insurance?

You have eight months from the date your coverage ends to enroll in Medicare without penalty. This is called a Special Enrollment Period. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report the change and enroll during this window.

Can I change my mind after I enroll?

Yes, during your Initial Enrollment Period you can change your coverage choices. After that period ends, you can make changes only during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7 each year), and changes take effect January 1. Some life events, such as losing employer coverage or moving, open a Special Enrollment Period outside these dates.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.