Generally speaking, most people are eligible for Medicare when they have either turned 65 years old or have met other criteria. While Medicare is not mandatory, it does include medical health benefits that everyone should take advantage of.

There are three different times when you are eligible to sign up for Medicare. These times are outlined below: 

Initial Enrollment Period 

The first time you are eligible to sign up for Medicare is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is a 7-month period that allows people who are 65 years to apply for Medicare. The 7-month period begins 3 months prior to your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after your 65th birthday. For example: 

• Your birthday is April 15th;
• Your IEP begins on January 1st;
• Your IEP ends on July 31st;

Even when applying for Medicare early, your actual coverage will begin no sooner than the month of your 65th birthday. 

Special Enrollment Period

There are special enrollment periods in which you may be eligible to sign up for Medicare. 

• You or your spouse is working and you’re currently covered by a job-based insurance;
• 8 months following the month your job-based insurance ends;
• 8 months following the end of employment; 

General Enrollment Period 

If you did not sign-up during your initial enrollment period and do not qualify for a special enrollment period, you are eligible to sign up for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period. This period runs from January 1st to March 31st every year. 

Open Enrollment Period

If you already have Medicare, you have the ability to sign up for a different Medicare plan during the Open Enrollment period. This period runs from October 15th-December 7th every year. Beneficiaries are able to complete the following Medicare plan changes during this time:

• Original Medicare (Part A & B) may change to Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C);
• Medicare Advantage may change to Original Medicare;
• Medicare Advantage may enroll in Part D;
• Medicare Advantage may change to a different Part C plan;

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period 

If you are already a Medicare beneficiary, you are able to apply for Medicare changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. 

1. Annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Each year from January 1st to March 31st. All current Medicare Advantage beneficiaries may apply for changes during this time.
2. Individual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: This period is available to each Medicare Beneficiary during their 1st 3 months of enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B. 

When to sign up for Medicare before turning 65?

There are two instances where you are able to apply for Medicare prior to turning 65 years old. 

1. When Approved For Social Security Benefits:

 If you are receiving social security benefits prior to your 65th birthday, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. You will not need to sign-up for Medicare or submit a separate application as the Social Security Administration oversees the Medicare application process. 

2. At the Beginning of Your Initial Enrollment Period: 

Your initial enrollment period starts 3 months prior to your 65th birthday. In this case, the earliest you could apply for Medicare would be when you’re 64 years and 9 months. 

You should sign up for Medicare as soon as you are able to in order to avoid any paperwork holdups or delays. If you are not already automatically enrolled in Medicare, then you should sign up for Medicare three months prior to your 65th birthday.

When to sign up for Medicare if still working?

If you make the decision to work past the age of 65, you are still able to apply for Medicare. The enrollment process and requirements for Medicare while still working are different compared to Medicare beneficiaries who are not working. Factors include current insurance status and company employment numbers. Please review our article specifically dedicated to Medicare beneficiaries who are still working here. 

If you are planning to apply for Medicare while still working, contact your current insurance company as soon as possible. They may require you to apply for specific parts of Medicare.