Signing up and deadlines
When should I sign up for Medicare?
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Short answer
Most people should sign up for Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period, the 7 months that start 3 months before the month they turn 65 and end 3 months after it.
If you already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you're enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically when you turn 65.
If you or your spouse are still working and covered by that employer's health plan, you can usually delay Part B and sign up later without a penalty.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period | 7 months: 3 months before your 65th birthday month, that month, and 3 months after | Medicare.gov |
| Coverage start, signing up early | The first day of your birthday month | Medicare.gov |
| Coverage start, signing up in or after your birthday month | The first day of the month after you sign up | Medicare.gov |
| General Enrollment Period | January 1 to March 31; coverage starts the month after you sign up | Medicare.gov |
| Special Enrollment Period after work coverage | 8 months after the job or the coverage ends, whichever is first | Medicare.gov |
| Medigap Open Enrollment Period | 6 months from the month you're 65 or older and have Part B | Medicare.gov |
What is the Initial Enrollment Period?
Your Initial Enrollment Period is your first chance to sign up for Medicare: 7 months that start 3 months before the month you turn 65 and end 3 months after it. If you sign up in the 3 months before your birthday month, coverage starts the first day of your birthday month. If you sign up in your birthday month or the 3 months after, coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up.
If your birthday is on the first of the month, everything moves a month earlier: your coverage can start the month before you turn 65.
Will I be enrolled in Medicare automatically?
Yes, if you've been getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for at least 4 months before you turn 65: you're enrolled in Parts A and B, and your Medicare card arrives about 3 months before your 65th birthday. You can keep Part B or decline it, for example if you have coverage from current work. If you aren't getting those benefits, you need to sign up yourself; see How do I sign up for Medicare?
What if I'm still working at 65?
If you or your spouse are actively working and covered by that employer's group health plan, you can usually delay Part B without a penalty and sign up within 8 months after the job or the coverage ends. With an employer of fewer than 20 employees, Medicare usually pays first, so you generally need Parts A and B at 65. Details: Do I need Medicare if I am still working?
What if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?
You can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31 each year, with coverage starting the month after you sign up. You may owe a late enrollment penalty that lasts as long as you have Part B.
When do I choose a Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medigap plan?
You can join a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D drug plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, once you have Parts A and B (Part A or B for Part D). The safest time to buy a Medigap policy is your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you're 65 or older and have Part B: insurers then can't turn you down or charge more because of your health.
Can I get Medicare before 65?
Yes, if you've received Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits for 24 months, if you have ALS, or if you have End-Stage Renal Disease. See Who is eligible for Medicare?
Key dates
Medicare enrollment periods at a glance
- Around your 65thInitial Enrollment PeriodA 7-month window around the month you turn 65 — your first chance to sign up.
- October 15 – December 7Annual Enrollment Period (Open Enrollment)Anyone with Medicare can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
- January 1 – March 31Medicare Advantage Open EnrollmentIf you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one change.
- January 1 – March 31General Enrollment PeriodFor people who missed their first chance to sign up for Part B.
- VariesSpecial Enrollment PeriodTriggered by life events like moving or losing other coverage.
Dates are set by Medicare and apply nationwide. Confirm your personal windows at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
On this site: Medicare Open Enrollment for this year
Good to know
More questions people ask
Is the Medicare age 65 even if my full retirement age is 67?
Should I sign up for Part A if I'm still working?
My birthday is on the first of the month. When can I sign up?
Do I have to sign up for Medicare if I'm getting Social Security?
Related questions
- Medicare.gov: When can I sign up for Medicare?
- Medicare.gov: When does Medicare coverage start?
- Medicare.gov: Working past 65
- Medicare.gov: Avoid late enrollment penalties
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.