When You Become Eligible for Medicare: Age and Other Pathways

The standard Medicare age is 65

You become may be able to access for Medicare at age 65, regardless of your work history or income. This is the age when you can sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) without penalty. Most people become may be able to access on the first day of the month in which they turn 65, though the exact date depends on your birthday.

You do not have to wait until you turn 65 to think about Medicare. You should start learning about your options three months before your 65th birthday, because there are important date for signing up. Missing these important date can cost you money in the form of late enrollment penalties that last for the rest of your life.

Key Takeaways

You become may be able to access for Medicare on the first day of the month you turn 65, and you should plan to sign up during the three months before that date.
If you are still working and have health insurance through your job, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty, but you must tell Social Security this in writing.
You can sign up for Medicare through Social Security, Medicare.gov, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, and the process takes about 10 minutes online.
Late enrollment penalties add a permanent percentage increase to your Part B and Part D premiums, so signing up on time matters even if you do not plan to use Medicare right away.
Some people under 65 become may be able to access for Medicare if they receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months or have end-stage renal disease or ALS.

When to sign up for Medicare

Your Initial Enrollment Period is seven months long: it starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. During this window, you can sign up for Part A and Part B without waiting or paying a penalty. If you miss this window, you will pay a penalty on Part B for as long as you have Medicare.

If you are still working and covered by a group health plan through your employer or your spouse's employer, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty. This is called the Special Enrollment Period. To use it, you must tell Social Security in writing that you are delaying Part B because of current employment. You have eight months after your employment ends or your coverage stops to sign up for Part B without penalty.

Part A (hospital insurance) does not usually have a late enrollment penalty, so you have more flexibility there. However, it is still best to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid confusion and to make sure your coverage starts on time.

How to sign up for Medicare at 65

You can sign up for Medicare in three ways: online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process is fastest and usually takes about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and information about any current health insurance you have.

If you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you will be signed up for Medicare automatically three months before you turn 65. You do not have to do anything. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail about two weeks before your coverage starts. If you are not yet receiving Social Security, you will need to sign up for Medicare separately.

Keep your Medicare card in a safe place. You will need it when you see a doctor, go to the hospital, or fill a prescription. If your card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Medicare may be able to access before age 65

You do not have to wait until 65 to get Medicare if you meet one of three conditions. If you have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, you become may be able to access for Medicare at any age. The 24 months starts from the date your disability benefits began, not from the date you applied.

If you have end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant), you can sign up for Medicare as soon as your doctor determines you need dialysis or have had a transplant. You do not have to wait for your SSDI to start. If you have ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig's disease), you become may be able to access for Medicare when ready upon approval for SSDI, without the usual 24-month wait.

What happens if you miss the enrollment important date

If you do not sign up for Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period and you do not may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period, you will pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare. The penalty is 10 percent of the standard Part B premium for each full 12 months you were may be able to access but not enrolled. This penalty is added to your monthly premium and does not go away.

For example, if you miss the important date by two years and the standard Part B premium is $165 per month, your penalty would be 20 percent, or about $33 extra per month for life. Over time, this adds up to thousands of dollars. The same rule applies to Part D (prescription drug coverage) if you go without creditable drug coverage for more than 63 days in a row.

If you think you have a good reason for missing the important date — such as not knowing about the important date or having a medical emergency — you can ask Social Security to reconsider. This is called a waiver of the penalty. You will need to explain your situation in writing and provide supporting documents. Social Security will review your request, but approval is not may provide.

Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D at 65

When you turn 65, you become may be able to access for all four parts of Medicare, but you do not have to take all of them. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical equipment. Most people sign up for both Part A and Part B during their Initial Enrollment Period.

Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative to Part A and B offered by private insurance companies. It usually includes prescription drug coverage and may include dental or vision benefits. Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private insurance companies. You can add Part D to Original Medicare (Part A and B), or it may be included in your Part C plan.

You do not have to choose all your coverage at once. You can sign up for Part A and B now and add Part C or Part D later, as long as you do so during the right enrollment period. However, waiting can trigger late enrollment penalties, so it is important to understand your options before your Initial Enrollment Period ends.

What to ask your doctor before you turn 65

Before your 65th birthday, talk to your doctor about your current medications and any ongoing treatments. Ask whether your prescriptions are covered under Medicare Part D and whether your doctor accepts Medicare. If your doctor does not accept Medicare, you may need to find a new one or pay out-of-pocket for visits.

Ask your doctor whether you should choose Original Medicare (Part A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). Your choice depends on your health, your doctors, and your prescription needs. If you have a chronic condition, ask whether your specialists accept Medicare and whether they are in the network of any Medicare Advantage plans you are considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sign up for Medicare at 65 if I am still working?

You do not have to sign up for Part B if you are still working and covered by a group health plan through your job or your spouse's job. However, you should still sign up for Part A, which is usually free. To delay Part B without penalty, you must tell Social Security in writing that you are delaying because of current employment.

What if I turn 65 in the middle of the month?

Your Medicare coverage starts on the first day of the month in which you turn 65, regardless of what day of the month your birthday falls on. For example, if you turn 65 on March 15, your coverage starts on March 1. Your Initial Enrollment Period still runs from three months before to three months after the month you turn 65.

Can I change my Medicare plan after I sign up?

Yes, but only during certain times of the year. The main enrollment period is October 15 to December 7 each year, when you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage or change your Part D plan. If you have a may have access to life event (such as moving or losing other insurance), you may have a Special Enrollment Period outside these dates.

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

You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who has lived in the United States for at least five consecutive years to be may be able to access for Medicare. If you are not sure about your status, contact Social Security or call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about your specific situation.

Do I lose my Medicare if I move out of the country?

You can keep your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage if you move out of the United States, but coverage is limited. Medicare generally does not pay for care outside the U.S. except in very specific situations, such as emergency care in Canada or Mexico. If you plan to move, talk to Medicare about how your coverage will work.

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.