Enrollment & Application

Medicare is an essential part of your healthcare as you age, but knowing when and how to enroll can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone!

This guide will walk you through the Medicare enrollment process step by step—so you can feel confident that you’re making the right choices at the right time.

Signing Up for Medicare

Medicare enrollment isn’t automatic for everyone. Some people will be automatically enrolled, while others will need to sign up on their own.

You’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) if:

• You’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits when you turn 65.
• You’ve been receiving disability benefits from Social Security for at least 24 months (if you’re under 65).

If neither of these applies to you, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare yourself—and it’s important to do so at the right time to avoid late penalties.

Age Requirements for Medicare Enrollment

For most people, Medicare eligibility starts at age 65. However, some people qualify earlier due to disability or certain medical conditions.

Turning 65? You can enroll in Medicare starting three months before your 65th birthday.

Under 65? You qualify for Medicare early if:

• You’ve been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for at least 24 months.
• You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

If you qualify due to age, the key is knowing when to enroll so you don’t miss your window.

How and When to Enroll in Medicare

Enrolling in Medicare happens during specific enrollment periods, based on your situation.

1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – Your First Opportunity

This is your first and easiest opportunity to sign up for Medicare. It’s a 7-month window that:

• Begins 3 months before your 65th birthday
• Includes your birthday month
• Ends 3 months after your birthday month

For example, if you turn 65 in June, your IEP runs from March 1 to September 30.

Enrolling during this time ensures your coverage starts as soon as possible and helps you avoid late penalties.

2. Special Enrollment Period (SEP) – If You Have Employer Coverage

If you or your spouse are still working and have health insurance through an employer, you may be able to delay Medicare without penalties:

• You’ll get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare after your employer coverage ends.
• This applies only if your employer has 20 or more employees (smaller employers may require Medicare at 65).

3. General Enrollment Period (GEP) – If You Missed Your Initial Window

If you didn’t sign up during your Initial or Special Enrollment Period, you can still enroll in Medicare during the General Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31 each year.

But it’s important to keep two key details in mind:

• Coverage begins July 1.
• You may have to pay late enrollment penalties (more on that below).

If you’re unsure about when to enroll, our Medicare advisors can help you understand your options.

Late Enrollment Penalties and Exceptions

If you don’t sign up for Medicare when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay penalties that last a lifetime. Here’s what to know.

Part A Late Enrollment Penalty

• Most people get Part A for free—if that’s the case, you won’t have a penalty.
• If you have to pay for Part A and delay enrollment, your monthly premium may increase by 10% for twice the number of years you delayed.

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

• If you don’t enroll in Part B when first eligible, you may have to pay an extra 10% on your premium for every year you delayed enrollment.
• This penalty lasts for life, or as long as you have Medicare.

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

• If you go 63 days or more without prescription drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period, you may have to pay a permanent penalty when you do enroll.
• This amount depends on how long you went without coverage.

So When Can You Delay Medicare Without a Penalty?

You can delay Medicare without penalties if you have qualifying employer coverage (from an employer with 20 or more employees).

If you’re unsure whether you should delay Medicare or enroll now, we can help you determine the best choice for your specific needs. Just call us at (888) 556-3037 to speak with one of our Medicare advisors!

Applying for Medicare Online vs. In-Person

When it’s time to sign up for Medicare, you have a few ways to apply.

Applying Online – The Easiest Way

Most people find that applying online at www.ssa.gov is the quickest and easiest option.

• The process takes about 10-15 minutes.
• No paperwork or in-person visit required.
• You’ll get confirmation when your application is processed.

Applying In-Person

If you prefer face-to-face help, you can apply in person at your local Social Security office.

• Appointments are recommended to avoid long wait times.
• Be sure to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and any employer coverage details.

Applying by Phone

You can also apply for Medicare by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

How Family Medicare Advisors Can Help

Medicare enrollment can be confusing, stressful, and full of deadlines—but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

At Family Medicare Advisors, we:

• Help you understand your enrollment timeline so you don’t miss deadlines.
• Guide you through the application process and ensure everything is done correctly.
• Make sure you avoid late penalties by helping you enroll at the right time.

Best of all, there’s no cost to you—our services are completely free.  Call us now at (888) 556-3037  if you’re ready to learn more about enrolling in the right Medicare plan for your needs.