When is the best time to enroll into Medicare? 

Generally, when you turn 65. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65.

The date your coverage starts depends on which month you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage always starts on the first of the month.

If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65. (If your birthday is on the first of the month, coverage starts the month before you turn 65.)

Part B (and Premium-Part A): Coverage starts based on the month you sign up:

If you sign up:

Before the month you turn 65 your coverage will begin the first day of the month of your 65th birthday. If you wait and sign up on your birthday month or during the 3 months after - your coverage will begin the first of the following month. 

After your Initial Enrollment Period ends, you can only sign up for Part B and Premium-Part A during one of the other enrollment periods. Between January 1-March 31 each year (General Enrollment Period)

You can sign up between January 1-March 31 each year. This is called the General Enrollment Period. Your coverage starts July 1. (Starting January 1, 2023, your coverage will start the month after you sign up.) You might pay a monthly late enrollment penalty, if you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Some of the most common Special Election Periods used are :
Leaving Group Coverage after your 65th birthday. Moving out of area; loss of Medicaid status or qualifying for Limited Income Subsidy. There are many more situations when you can sign up for Part B (and Premium-Part A) during a Special Enrollment Period without paying a late enrollment penalty.

 A Special Enrollment Period is only available for a limited time. If you don’t sign up during your Special Enrollment Period, you’ll have to wait for the next General Enrollment Period and you might have to pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.

If you have questions regarding what special election periods you might qualify for - give us call.