You can explore up to three months before your 65th birthday

You do not have to wait until the month you turn 65 to start the process. Social Security lets you explore starting three months before your birthday. Most people explore in the month they turn 65 or the month before, which gives you time to sort out your coverage before it begins.

The process itself takes about 10 minutes online, or you can call Social Security or visit an office in person. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and information about any current health coverage. If you are already getting Social Security benefits, the process is even shorter — Social Security will enroll you automatically unless you tell them not to.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore three months before you turn 65, and your coverage will start on the first day of the month you turn 65.
  • The fastest way to explore is online at Medicare.gov or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
  • If you are already receiving Social Security, you will be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically unless you decline.
  • If you delay explore past your 65th birthday without a valid reason, you may pay a permanent penalty on your Part B and Part D premiums.
  • You have a seven-month window called your Initial Enrollment Period — three months before, the month of, and three months after you turn 65.

Where to explore: online, by phone, or in person

The easiest route is Medicare.gov, where you can create an account and complete your process in one sitting. You will answer questions about your age, citizenship, and current coverage, then submit. You should get a response within a few days to a week.

If you prefer to talk to someone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. They handle Medicare applications for people turning 65. The wait time varies by time of day and season — calling early in the morning or mid-week is usually faster. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person; find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.

If you are already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you do not need to do anything. Social Security will send you information about Medicare and enroll you in Part A and Part B automatically two months before your 65th birthday. You can still choose to decline Part B if you have other coverage, but you must tell them in writing.

What happens if you miss the important date

Your Initial Enrollment Period is seven months long: three months before you turn 65, the month of your birthday, and three months after. If you explore during this window, your coverage starts on the first day of the month you turn 65, no matter when in that month you were born.

If you explore after your Initial Enrollment Period ends and you do not have a valid reason for the delay, you will face a permanent penalty. For Part B, the penalty is 10 percent of the standard premium for each full 12 months you were late — and that penalty stays with you for life. Part D (prescription drug coverage) has a similar penalty. A valid reason includes having employer coverage or being a federal employee; if that applies to you, keep records of that coverage to show Social Security.

The one exception is if you are still working and covered by your employer's health plan. You can delay Part B without penalty as long as you are actively employed and covered. When you leave that job or lose the coverage, you have eight months to sign up for Part B without penalty.

Documents you will need to have ready

Before you start your process, gather these items so you do not have to stop halfway through:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your birth certificate or other proof of birth date
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, naturalization papers, or birth certificate issued in the U.S.) or proof of legal residency
  • Information about any current health coverage — the name of your employer or insurance company, your policy number, and the dates you have been covered
  • Your bank account information if you want your Social Security payments or Medicare refunds deposited directly

If you are explore online at Medicare.gov, you can upload documents or type in the information. If you are calling or visiting an office, have these details written down so you can read them to the representative.

What Part A and Part B cover, and what you choose

Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part A is almost always worth taking when you turn 65.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, lab tests, and some equipment and supplies. Part B does have a monthly premium — the standard amount in 2024 is $164.90 per month, though it varies by income. You choose whether to take Part B when you explore. If you have employer coverage or are still working, you can delay Part B. If you are retired or do not have other coverage, taking Part B right away usually makes sense.

You will also see options for Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medigap or Medicare Advantage (additional coverage). Part D and Medigap or Medicare Advantage are optional, but if you want them, you should enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid penalties. You can choose these plans when you explore for Medicare, or you can add them later during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year).

Timeline: when coverage starts and when you pay

If you explore during your Initial Enrollment Period, your Part A and Part B coverage begins on the first day of the month you turn 65. For example, if you turn 65 on March 15 and explore in January, your coverage starts March 1. If you explore in April (after your birthday), your coverage will start the first day of the month after Social Security processes your process, usually one to two months later.

Your first premium payment for Part B is usually taken from your first Social Security check, or Social Security will bill you separately if you do not yet receive benefits. If you enroll in Part D or a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, those premiums are billed separately by the insurance company.

If you are still working or have employer coverage

If your employer offers health insurance and you are still working, you can delay Part B without penalty. You do not have to take Part B at 65 — you can wait until you leave your job or lose the coverage. When that happens, you have eight months to enroll in Part B without paying a penalty.

However, you should still enroll in Part A at 65, even if you have employer coverage. Part A is usually free, and it covers hospital care that your employer plan might not fully cover. You can enroll in Part A alone and skip Part B for now.

If you are a federal employee or railroad retiree, the same rule applies: you can delay Part B, but you should still take Part A. Keep records of your employer coverage dates — you will need them if Social Security questions why you delayed Part B.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I turn 65 but I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can still get Medicare if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and have lived in the U.S. for at least five years. You will need to show your green card and proof of your five years of residency. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for Medicare.

Can I explore before I turn 65 if I am on disability?

If you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, you become may be able to access for Medicare at that point, regardless of your age. Social Security will enroll you automatically. If you are on disability but have not yet been may be able to access for 24 months, you can explore for Medicare when you turn 65 using the same process.

What if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?

You can still explore after your seven-month window closes, but you may face a permanent penalty on Part B and Part D premiums. The penalty is 10 percent of the standard premium for each full 12 months you were late. If you have a valid reason for the delay — such as employer coverage — you can request a penalty waiver by providing proof to Social Security.

Do I have to choose a Medicare Advantage plan or Medigap when I explore?

No. You can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and add a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan later during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). However, if you wait, you may pay higher premiums or face coverage gaps. Enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period is usually the best option.

What if Social Security says I am already enrolled?

If you are already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, Social Security enrolls you in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. You will receive a Medicare card in the mail about two months before your 65th birthday. If you do not want Part B, you must decline it in writing before your coverage starts.