As you approach your 65th birthday, it's time to start thinking about enrolling in Medicare. This federal health insurance program provides essential coverage for millions of older Americans. Here's what you need to know about signing up for Medicare Parts A and B.

What Are Medicare Parts A & B?

Before diving into the enrollment steps, it’s essential to understand what each part of Medicare covers. Medicare Part A, also called hospital insurance, covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Medicare Part B, known as medical insurance, covers outpatient services such as doctor visits, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and some home health services.

Are You Automatically Enrolled?

Depending on your situation, you may not even need to take action to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’re automatically enrolled in both Parts A and B when you turn 65. You’ll receive your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday. There’s nothing you need to do in this case, unless you want to opt out of Part B, which requires a monthly premium.

If you're not automatically enrolled, you’ll need to sign up during a specific enrollment period. Learn more about automatic enrollment.

Enrollment Periods for Medicare

If you’re not automatically enrolled, it’s essential to know when you can sign up. Here are the key enrollment periods for Medicare Parts A and B:

  1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Your IEP lasts for seven months, starting three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month of your birthday, and ends three months after. This is the best time to sign up because if you enroll during this period, you can avoid late enrollment penalties.
  2. General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. However, you may face a late enrollment penalty if you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (explained below).
  3. Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you're still working and have health insurance through your employer (or your spouse’s employer), you can delay enrolling in Medicare without penalty. When your employment or health coverage ends, you’ll have an eight-month window to sign up without facing a late penalty. Learn more about enrollment periods.

How to Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B:

If you’re not automatically enrolled, here’s how you can sign up:

  1. Online Enrollment: You can easily enroll in Medicare Parts A and B online by visiting the Social Security Administration (SSA) website at www.ssa.gov. It’s a simple and secure way to apply, and it can be done in a matter of minutes.
  2. By Phone: If you’re more comfortable speaking to someone directly, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  3. In-Person Enrollment: You can also visit your local Social Security office to enroll in Medicare. Make sure to check the office hours or schedule an appointment in advance. You can find your nearest office through the SSA’s website.
  4. By Mail: If you prefer, you can also apply by mailing an application form to the SSA. The application form is available online or at any SSA office. Learn more about how to sign up for Part A & Part B.

What Happens After You Enroll?

Once you’ve enrolled, you’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail. This card will show that you have Part A and Part B coverage. Keep this card in a safe place, as you’ll need it to access healthcare services. You can use your Medicare benefits starting the month of your 65th birthday if you enroll during the IEP.

Avoiding Late Enrollment Penalties

It’s crucial to sign up for Medicare on time. If you don’t enroll in Part B when you’re first eligible and you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty. This penalty adds 10% to your Part B premium for every 12 months that you were eligible but didn’t enroll. Learn more about late enrollment penalties.

Enrolling in Medicare is a big step, and it's important to make sure you have the right coverage for your health needs.

If you’re nearing Medicare eligibility, take action today to avoid penalties and ensure you’re covered when you need it most. GetSetUp offers classes and resources to help you understand Medicare and its parts in more detail.

Reviewed By: Keith Gilbert