Do I have to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65?

Most people should sign up for Medicare Part A at 65 since it is free for anyone with 40+ work credits. Part B has a monthly premium ($202.90/month in 2026), so you may delay it if you have employer coverage from active work. If you do not have creditable employer coverage, you should enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid a permanent late penalty.

What is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window: the 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month itself, and the 3 months after. This is the best time to enroll. If you sign up in your birthday month or after, your coverage start date may be delayed by 1–3 months.

What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment window?

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period without a valid reason (like employer coverage from active work), you will face a Part B late enrollment penalty. The penalty is 10% added to your Part B premium for every 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled — and it is permanent for life. The General Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1.

Can I delay Medicare if I have employer insurance?

Yes, if you are actively working and have employer coverage through your own job or a spouse's active employment. Retirement coverage, COBRA, and retiree health plans generally do not qualify. When your employer coverage ends, you get a Special Enrollment Period of 8 months to sign up for Part B without penalty. Do not wait for the 8 months to expire — coverage gaps can affect Medigap enrollment.

How do I actually sign up for Medicare?

If you are already getting Social Security benefits, enrollment is automatic — your Medicare card arrives in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday. If not collecting Social Security, apply online at ssa.gov/medicare, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. The online application takes about 10 minutes.

When should I call a Medicare broker about my supplement plan?

Call a broker during the same window you enroll in Medicare — ideally 2–3 months before you turn 65. Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the month you are both 65 and enrolled in Part B. Enrolling in a supplement during this window means no carrier can deny you or charge extra based on health. After this window, your options may be more limited.

How and When to Sign Up for Medicare (2026)

By Anthony Orner, Licensed Medicare Insurance Broker · Updated March 2026

The most important thing to know: Medicare has enrollment deadlines, and missing them results in permanent penalties on your monthly premium. Here is exactly when to sign up and what to do if you have employer coverage.

Key Medicare Enrollment Windows

Initial Enrollment Period

7-month window around your 65th birthday. Best time to enroll — no penalties, full plan choice.

Special Enrollment Period

8 months after losing employer coverage from active work. No penalty if you qualify.

General Enrollment Period

Jan 1 – Mar 31 each year. Coverage starts July 1. Late penalty applies.

Step-by-Step: How to Enroll

Check if you are automatically enrolled

If you are already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, Medicare Parts A and B will be activated automatically when you turn 65. Your red, white, and blue Medicare card arrives in the mail about 3 months before your birthday month. You do not need to do anything.

Apply online at SSA.gov if enrollment is not automatic

If you are not yet collecting Social Security, go to ssa.gov/medicare to apply online. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. The online application takes about 10 minutes and can be started up to 3 months before your birthday month.

Decide whether to delay Part B if you have employer coverage

Part B costs $202.90/month in 2026. If you have coverage through an employer where you or your spouse is actively working, you may delay Part B without penalty. Retiree insurance, COBRA, and marketplace plans do not qualify. Confirm with your HR department before delaying.

Add a Medicare Supplement or Advantage plan

Original Medicare covers roughly 80% of costs. The remaining 20%, plus hospital deductibles, can add up quickly. Most people add either a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan — which covers the gaps with predictable costs — or a Medicare Advantage plan. Call 855-559-1700 to compare options in your area at no cost.

The Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

If you do not sign up for Part B when first eligible and do not have qualifying employer coverage, your premium will increase by 10% for every 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll. This penalty is permanent — it follows you for life. At $202.90/month today, even a 1-year delay adds $20.29/month forever. A 5-year delay adds $101.45/month.

Questions About Enrollment? Call Free — 855-559-1700

Medicare Sign-Up Questions

Official Resources

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