You can first sign up for Medicare during a 7-month window around your 65th birthday. It starts 3 months before your birthday month and ends 3 months after. Signing up early, before your birthday month, means your coverage starts on time.
This checklist walks you through each step, in order.
6 months before you turn 65
- Check your current coverage. If you’re still working, ask HR how your employer plan works with Medicare.
- Stop HSA contributions on time. If you’ll enroll in Medicare, stop contributing to a Health Savings Account 6 months before you apply.
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You’ll use it to apply online.
- List your doctors and prescriptions. You’ll need this list to compare plans.
3 months before your birthday month
- Sign up for Part A and Part B. Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a Social Security office. If you already receive Social Security benefits, you’re enrolled automatically, and your card will arrive in the mail.
- Decide how you’ll get your coverage. Choose Original Medicare with a Medigap plan and Part D, or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Compare plans. Look at your doctors, drugs, premiums, and total yearly costs.
Before your coverage starts
- Enroll in your plan. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans require separate enrollment once you have Part A and Part B.
- Check for help with costs. See if you qualify for Extra Help, the Medicare Savings Program, or New York’s EPIC program.
- Keep an eye out for your red, white, and blue Medicare card. Keep it with your plan card.
What happens if you sign up late?
If you miss your 7-month window and don’t have qualifying work coverage, you may pay late penalties. The Part B penalty adds 10% to your premium for each full year you went without it. Penalties usually last as long as you have Medicare.
A New York advantage
In most states, you get one 6-month window to buy a Medigap plan without health questions. New York is different. You can apply for a Medigap plan year-round, and insurers can’t charge you more based on your age or health.
Get help with your first Medicare decision
Turning 65 comes with a lot of choices. Erie Medicare Associates helps Erie County residents enroll on time and compare plans from multiple carriers, at no cost. Schedule a free consultation or call (716) 319-4613 a few months before your birthday.
Frequently asked questions
When should I sign up for Medicare if I’m turning 65? Sign up during the 3 months before your birthday month, so your coverage starts on time. Your full window is 7 months long.
Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare at 65? Yes, if you already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. If not, you need to apply through Social Security.
Do I need Medicare if I’m still working at 65? It depends on your employer’s size and your coverage. Ask HR, then talk with a broker before you decide to delay Part B.
