You can file for Medicare starting three months before you turn 65
You do not have to wait until your 65th birthday to start the process. Medicare lets you file during the three-month window before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the three months after. This seven-month window is called your Initial Enrollment Period. If you file during this window, your coverage can start on the first day of the month you turn 65 or later, depending on when you submit your paperwork.
The easiest way to file is online at Medicare.gov using your Social Security account. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to file over the phone, or visit your local Social Security office in person. The online method is fastest — most people complete it in 10 to 15 minutes.
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can still file later, but you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums. The longer you wait after 65 without coverage, the higher that penalty becomes. This is why filing during your seven-month window matters.
Key Takeaways
- You can file for Medicare starting three months before you turn 65, through the end of the month you turn 65 plus three months.
- Filing online at Medicare.gov is the fastest method and requires a Social Security account; filing by phone or in person takes longer but does not require internet access.
- You will choose between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), and you may want to add prescription drug coverage (Part D) or supplemental coverage at the same time.
- If you delay filing past your Initial Enrollment Period without a valid reason, you will pay a permanent increase on your Part B and Part D premiums for as long as you have Medicare.
What you need before you file
Gather these documents before you start: your Social Security number, your date of birth, your citizenship or immigration status, and information about any current health insurance you have (employer coverage, TRICARE, Veterans benefits, or other plans). You will also need a valid email address and a phone number where Medicare can reach you.
If you are filing in person at a Social Security office, bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. A driver's license or state ID is also helpful. Call ahead to confirm your local office is open and to ask about wait times.
The three ways to file and how long each takes
| Method | Time to Complete | When You Hear Back | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online at Medicare.gov | 10–15 minutes | Confirmation email within hours; coverage decision in 1–2 weeks | People comfortable with computers who want the fastest route |
| Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE | 20–30 minutes | Confirmation by mail in 1–2 weeks; coverage decision in 2–3 weeks | People who prefer to speak with someone or have questions during filing |
| In person at Social Security office | 30–60 minutes (plus wait time) | Confirmation by mail in 1–2 weeks; coverage decision in 2–3 weeks | People who need help with documents or prefer face-to-face information |
The online method is fastest because you receive confirmation when ready and Medicare processes your request within days. The phone and in-person methods are slower because they rely on mail, but both let you ask questions as you go and get help if you are unsure about your answers.
Choosing your coverage type during filing
When you file, you will decide whether you want Original Medicare (Part A for hospital care and Part B for doctor visits) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C, which is an all-in-one alternative run by private insurance companies). Most people choose Original Medicare because it works at any hospital or doctor's office in the country that takes Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans often have lower premiums but limit you to a network of doctors and hospitals, and they require referrals for specialists.
You should also decide about prescription drug coverage (Part D) at the same time you file. If you do not sign up for Part D when you first turn 65, you will pay a penalty for each month you go without it, even if you do not take any medications now. The penalty is small each month but adds up over time and is permanent. If you have coverage through an employer or union that is as good as Medicare's, you may be able to skip Part D without penalty — ask your benefits office.
Many people also buy a Medigap policy (supplemental insurance) to cover costs that Original Medicare does not pay, such as copayments and deductibles. You can add Medigap at the same time you file for Medicare, though you have the best rates if you buy it within six months of turning 65.
What happens after you file
After you submit your file, Medicare will send you a confirmation letter by mail within one to two weeks. This letter includes your Medicare claim number, which you will use for all future Medicare business. Keep this letter in a safe place.
Your actual Medicare card will arrive in the mail four to six weeks after your coverage starts. Until it arrives, you can use the claim number from your confirmation letter to see a doctor or fill a prescription. If you need your card sooner, you can print a temporary one from your Medicare account online.
Your coverage officially starts on the first day of the month you turn 65, or the first day of the month after you file, whichever is later. For example, if you turn 65 on March 15 and file in January, your coverage starts April 1. If you turn 65 on March 15 and do not file until May, your coverage starts June 1.
What to do if you miss your Initial Enrollment Period
If you do not file during your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period, you can still file later during the General Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 through March 31 each year. However, your coverage will not start until July 1 of that year, leaving you without Medicare coverage for months.
More importantly, you will pay a permanent penalty. Your Part B premium increases by 10 percent for each full year you delayed after you turned 65. Your Part D premium increases by 1 percent for each month you delayed. These penalties stay with you for life, even if you later move to a different plan or state.
The only exceptions to this penalty are if you had creditable coverage — meaning you were covered by an employer plan, TRICARE, Veterans benefits, or another plan that is at least as good as Medicare. If you had creditable coverage, you can file without penalty during the eight months after that coverage ends. Ask your former employer or benefits office for a letter stating your coverage was creditable.
Questions to ask your doctor before you turn 65
Before you file, ask your current doctor whether they take Medicare and which Medicare plans they accept. Some doctors take Original Medicare but not certain Medicare Advantage plans. If you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan, confirm that your doctor is in the plan's network and that your specialists are too. Ask about referral requirements and whether the plan covers the medications you take regularly.
If you are on medications, ask your pharmacist which Part D plans cover them and whether there are any restrictions, such as prior authorization or quantity limits. Prescription drug coverage varies widely between plans, and the cheapest plan may not cover your medications at the lowest cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for Medicare before I turn 65?
Yes. You can file starting three months before your 65th birthday. For example, if you turn 65 on June 15, you can file starting March 15. Filing early gives you time to receive your Medicare card and understand your coverage before your birthday.
What if I am still working at 65 and have employer health insurance?
You must still file for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) at 65, even if you keep your employer plan. However, you may be able to delay Part B (doctor insurance) without penalty if your employer has 20 or more employees. Ask your benefits office whether you have this protection, and get it in writing. When you do file for Part B later, file within eight months of leaving your job to avoid penalties.
Do I have to choose a plan right now, or can I change my mind later?
You can change your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7 each year) without penalty. However, your initial choice during your Initial Enrollment Period is important because missing that window can cost you in penalties. Choose carefully the first time, but know you have a chance to switch each fall.
What if I do not know which plan is best for me?
Medicare.gov has a plan comparison tool where you enter your doctors and medications and it shows you which plans cover them and what your costs would be. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and speak with a counselor who can walk you through your options. Some states also have State Health Insurance information Programs (SHIP) that offer free, one-on-one help choosing a plan.
Can I file for Medicare online if I do not have a Social Security account?
No. You need a Social Security account to file online. You can create one at ssa.gov, but it takes a few days. If you are close to your important date, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit a Social Security office instead.