When Do I Apply?

If you’re a U.S. citizen who’s 65 years of age or older and in need of medical insurance, you’re eligible to enroll in Medicare. However, it’s important to note that Medicare enrollment is separate from your Social Security application for income benefits. Even if you haven’t started taking your retirement income benefits yet, you still age into Medicare at 65.

It’s important to be aware of the appropriate time to apply for Medicare as the government won’t notify you. If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65, and your Medicare card should arrive 1-2 months before your birthday.

If you haven’t started receiving retirement benefits yet, you’ll need to submit a Medicare application yourself. The good news is that you only need to apply once, and your Medicare Parts A and B will automatically renew each year, provided that you pay your premiums.

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare Parts A, B, and D lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday and ending 3 months after your birthday month. Enrolling during your IEP will ensure that you won’t face late penalties, and there are also no pre-existing condition waiting periods.

Overall, being aware of the enrollment process and your IEP can help you make the most of your Medicare benefits and avoid unnecessary fees.