When to sign up for Medicare

Most people sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) when they're first eligible, typically at age 65.

It's important to sign up promptly to avoid gaps in coverage or late enrollment penalties. However, if you're already covered through an employer group health plan, it might make sense to sign up for Medicare later or delay Part B.

If you are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A.

The 3 enrollment periods

1. When you're turning 65

This is the "Initial Enrollment Period," and there are no penalties if you sign up during this time.

2. After 65 and you've been covered by an employer group health plan

This is a "Special Enrollment Period," and there are no penalties if you sign up or add Part B during this time.

If you or your spouse have health insurance through your job, you can sign up:

• Any time while working and still covered by the group health plan.
• Within 8 months of the day you or your spouse stop working, even if your group health plan continues for a time.
• Within 8 months of the group health plan ending while you or your spouse continue to work.

Your coverage begins the month after you sign up.

3. When you miss the other periods (likely penalties involved)

This is the "General Enrollment Period," and there is typically a life-long penalty if you sign up during this time.

If you have not filed during the other periods, you can still sign up between January 1 and March 31 each year.

Your coverage begins the month after you sign up.