Turning 65? Here's How to Enroll in Medicare

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

When you turn 65, you become eligible for Medicare — and your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the first and most important window to sign up. This 7-month period is centered around your 65th birthday and is the ideal time to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, as well as any supplemental coverage you may need.

The IEP begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after. Missing this window can result in delayed coverage, gaps in protection, and permanent late enrollment penalties.

Your 7-Month Enrollment Timeline

Timing matters. When you enroll within your IEP determines when your coverage begins. Here's how the 7-month window breaks down:

1. Month 1–3Best Time to Enroll

   3 Months Before Birthday

   Your IEP opens. Enroll now for the earliest possible coverage start date. This is the ideal time to sign up.

2. Month 4Still OK

   Your Birthday Month

   You can still enroll, but coverage won't start until the 1st of the following month.

3. Month 5–7Don't Wait

   3 Months After Birthday

   Last chance to enroll during your IEP. Coverage starts the 1st of the month after you enroll. Don't wait until the last month.

When Does Your Coverage Start?

Your coverage effective date depends on when during your IEP you enroll. The earlier you sign up, the sooner your benefits begin:

Automatic Enrollment: Do You Qualify?

Not everyone needs to actively sign up. If you meet certain conditions, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65:

What Should You Enroll In?

When you first become eligible, you have several coverage decisions to make. Here's a breakdown of your options:

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

  Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Premium-free for most people who worked 10+ years (40 quarters) paying Medicare taxes.

  Recommended for everyone at 65
• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

  Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and more. Standard 2026 premium is $202.90/month. Can be delayed if you have creditable coverage from an employer.

  Enroll at 65 unless you have employer coverage
• Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

  Standalone drug plans that cover prescription medications. Premiums vary by plan. If you delay without creditable drug coverage, you'll face a permanent late enrollment penalty.

  Enroll when Part B starts unless you have creditable drug coverage
• Supplemental Coverage (Choose One Path)

  You'll choose between a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to fill gaps in Original Medicare, or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one alternative. You cannot have both.

  Compare Supplement vs. Advantage →

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Window

If you choose Original Medicare + Medigap, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is critical. It begins the first day of the month your Medicare Part B is effective and lasts for 6 months.

Your Turning 65 Checklist

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition to Medicare:

1. 1
   6 months before 65

   Start researching Medicare options — Original Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans

2. 2
   3 months before 65

   Your IEP opens. Enroll in Part A and Part B (unless delaying Part B with employer coverage)

3. 3
   3 months before 65

   If choosing Medigap, compare plans and rates in your area

4. 4
   3 months before 65

   If choosing Medicare Advantage, compare plans in your ZIP code

5. 5
   3 months before 65

   Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan (unless your MA plan includes drug coverage)

6. 6
   When Part B starts

   Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins — enroll in Medigap if desired

7. 7
   After enrollment

   Notify your employer if transitioning from employer coverage to Medicare

8. 8
   After enrollment

   Review your Medicare card and coverage details when they arrive

Frequently Asked Questions