For most people, age 65 is when you need to enroll in Medicare.

If you delay enrollment when you are eligible and do not have qualifying coverage, you may face late-enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage. Some Medicare penalties can continue for as long as you have Medicare.

The main exception is for people who are still actively working past age 65, or covered through a spouse who is actively working, and have qualifying employer coverage. For more information, view Over 65 & Still Working.

Medicare doesn't have to be something you figure out alone.

There are important deadlines and decisions to make, and understanding your options before you enroll can help you avoid costly mistakes.

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What is Medicare?

Medicare is federal health insurance primarily for people age 65 and older. Some people under 65 may also qualify due to certain disabilities or medical conditions.

Medicare can be easier to understand when you think of it as 3 separate steps:

Step 1: Enroll in Original Medicare Parts A & B – what you need first

Step 2: Choose your Medicare coverage option – additional coverage available once you have Original Medicare

Step 3: Make sure you have Part D prescription drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage

STEP 1 – Enroll in Original Medicare Parts A & B

Original Medicare consists of Part A – Hospital coverage and Part B – Medical coverage.

Many people qualify for premium-free Part A based on their own or a spouse’s work history.

Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. The amount can vary based on income.

You must pay more if you have Medicare and your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior goes past set limits.
The government looks at your tax return from two years ago. Your current fees use your tax data from two years prior

When Can You Enroll in Medicare?

For most people becoming eligible at age 65, the Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months:

3 months before your 65th birthday month
Your birthday month
3 months after your birthday month

Enrolling during the three months before your birthday month can help ensure your coverage begins when you become eligible.

What to Do

Apply online at SSA.gov

For most people, this is the easiest way to apply for Medicare.
You can sign in to or create your personal my Social Security account to apply online.
Social Security currently uses Login.gov or ID.me for secure account access and identity verification.
It is a good idea to apply early rather than waiting until the end of your enrollment window.
If you are also applying for Social Security retirement benefits, additional information may be required as part of the application.

You can also contact Social Security for assistance

Social Security encourages customers to use its online services or schedule an appointment when in-person assistance is needed.
Call 1-800-772-1213 to request assistance or schedule an appointment with Social Security.

Appointments may not always be immediately available, so if you are unable to apply online, it is a good idea to contact Social Security early during the three months before you turn 65.

Once your enrollment in Original Medicare Parts A & B is processed, you are assigned an MBI (Medicare Beneficiary Identifier), commonly referred to as your Medicare number.

Part B Premium

You are responsible for paying the Part B premium every month beginning the month of your Medicare Part B effective date.

If you receive Social Security benefits: Your Part B premium is generally deducted automatically from your monthly benefit.
If you don’t receive Social Security yet: Medicare generally bills you every 3 months. The first bill can be for 3-6 months of premium.
Want to pay monthly instead? You can sign up for Medicare Easy Pay to have your premium automatically deducted from your bank account each month.

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Having trouble with the online process?

Let's schedule a time and I can help walk you through the Medicare application process.

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STEP 2: Choose Your Medicare Coverage Option

Once you have Medicare Parts A & B, the next step is deciding how you want to receive your Medicare coverage.

Option 1 – Medicare Advantage

Option 2 – Medicare Advantage + Hospital Indemnity

Option 3 – Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement

This is where having someone knowledgeable in your corner can make a big difference. You don't have to compare plans and try to determine the best option on your own.

I will explain the differences between your options in plain language. After getting to know you and your individual needs—including your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel habits, and health care preferences—I can help you compare the available options and decide which one best fits your situation.

There is no cost to you for my Medicare assistance.

STEP 3: Make Sure You Have Prescription Drug Coverage

To avoid a potential Part D late-enrollment penalty, you generally need to have either Medicare Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage once you are eligible.

If you go 63 days or more in a row without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period, you may have to pay a Part D late-enrollment penalty if you enroll in Medicare drug coverage later.

Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Supplement plans sold today do not include Part D. If you choose Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and do not have other creditable drug coverage, you can enroll in a separate Part D plan.

Part D plans can vary significantly in how they cover specific prescriptions and pharmacies, so this is another area where comparing your individual medications is important.