Medicare Initial Enrollment Period

Your Initial Enrollment Period^* is when you can first sign up for Original Medicare (Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Part B (Medical Insurance)). It is a 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.

If you sign up for Part A and/or Part B during the first 3-months of your Initial Enrollment Period, in most cases, your coverage will start on the first day of your birthday month.

Some people have to sign up for Part A and/or Part B:

If you’re close to 65 but not getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare. Contact Social Security 3 months before you turn 65.

Some people get Part A and Part B automatically:

If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you’ll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. (If your birthday is on the first day of the month, Part A and Part B will start the first day of the prior month)

^*Private Insurance companies often refer to this period as Open Enrollment. You do not answer health questions on your Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) application during this time.