I am approaching Medicare age, what do I need to do, and when?
AGE 64 – Do your homework
- You can enroll into Medicare up to 3 months prior to turning age 65.
- Understand your options if you plan on working beyond 65.
- Contact a licensed insurance agent or go to Medicare.gov to learn more about Medicare.
AGE 65 – The initial enrollment period
- Automatic enrollment if you are currently collecting or planning to collect social security.
- Otherwise, enroll between 3 months prior or 3 months after turning 65.
RETIREMENT – Special enrollment period
- If you are older than 65, but still working and covered by workplace insurance – you can enroll in Medicare up to 8 months after retirement.
JAN 1 – MARCH 31 – General enrollment period
- You can enroll between January 1 and March 31 each year.
- Your coverage starts July 1 of that year.
- You may have to pay a higher premium plus penalties for late enrollment.
- This is not to be confused with AEP, or the Annual Election Period.
TIP – Different ways to enroll in Parts A and B of Medicare
- Online at ssa.gov
- Over the phone – call your local social security office
- Fax or mail form CMS-40B to your local social security office.
- Visit your social security office in person.