Turning 65: How to Sign Up For Medicare For The First Time
If you've just turned 65 and are applying for the first time, here you'll find all the information you need to get started.
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When Do You Become Eligible?
You’re first eligible to sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
Your IEP is a 7-month window that includes:
- 3 months before the month you turn 65
- The month of your 65th birthday
- 3 months after your birthday month
You can use this time to sign up for Parts A and B, and choose whether you want a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Supplement plan later.
Our simple tool below will help you to calculate when you are eligible for enrollment:
Medicare Initial Enrollment Period Calculator
Enter your date of birth to see your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and when your coverage could begin.
Your IEP Window (7 Months)
Note: Because your birthday is on the 1st, Medicare treats your eligibility month as the prior month.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
* Your IEP includes the 3 months before your eligibility month, the eligibility month itself, and 3 months after.
Earliest Coverage Start (Based on Enrollment Month)
Since 2023, if you enroll during or after your eligibility month, coverage generally begins the first day of the month after you enroll. If you enroll in the 1–3 months before your eligibility month, coverage starts the first day of the eligibility month (or the prior month if you’re born on the 1st).
| Enroll During | Earliest Coverage Start | Notes |
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Applying If You’re Already Receiving Social Security
If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
You’ll receive your Medicare card by mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday.
Coverage usually starts the first day of your birthday month (or the month before if you were born on the 1st).
If you want to delay Part B, for example, because you’re still covered by employer insurance, you’ll need to follow the instructions on your Medicare card to opt out or postpone it.
Applying If You’re Not Yet Receiving Social Security
If you haven’t started collecting Social Security, you’ll need to apply manually for Medicare.
You can do this:
- Online at ssa.gov/medicare
- By calling the national Social Security Hotline at 1-800-772-1213
- Visiting your local Social Security office in person
It’s best to apply about 3 months before your 65th birthday, so your coverage starts on time and you avoid any penalties.
Still Working at 65?
If you’re covered under your employer’s health plan, you might be able to delay Part B without penalty, depending on your company size and plan rules.
However, you’ll still want to enroll in Part A, since it’s usually premium-free.
When your employer coverage ends, you’ll get a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B and avoid late penalties.
We can help you determine exactly when to enroll based on your situation, and ensure everything transitions smoothly.
Ready To Enroll?
If your enrolment window has just opened, and you're ready to apply, we're here to help.
Get in touch with Adam Bird Medicare to make your enrolment smooth and stress free!