Enrolling in Medicare doesn't have to be complicated. We'll walk you through the steps to get Part A and Part B so you can focus on your health.
Medicare is available to people who meet certain eligibility requirements. Most people think of Medicare as being for seniors, but eligibility extends beyond just age.
You become eligible for Medicare on the first day of the month you turn 65, as long as you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years.
You can qualify for Medicare if you are under 65 and have been receiving Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) for 24 consecutive months.
If you have permanent kidney failure and need dialysis or a transplant, you can qualify for Medicare regardless of age or work history.
Medicare has specific windows when you can enroll without penalties. Missing these deadlines can result in lifelong premium increases.
The most important enrollment window for most people.
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window centered around your 65th birthday:
Example: If your birthday is June 15th, your IEP runs from March 1st through September 30th.
Enrolling during your IEP means your coverage starts the month you turn 65 (or shortly after). Waiting until after this window could mean gaps in coverage and permanent penalties on your premiums.
Medicare Part A covers hospital insurance, including inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and home health services.
Good news: You're automatically enrolled! Most people who are receiving Social Security retirement benefits will be automatically enrolled in Part A when they reach 65. You'll receive a Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday.
You don't need to do anything—it happens automatically.
You'll need to apply manually. You have two options:
Apply during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid delays or penalties.
Medicare Part B covers doctor services, outpatient care, medical equipment, and preventive services. Unlike Part A, Part B requires active enrollment and has a monthly premium.
Part B is optional but highly recommended. The standard monthly premium is $202.90 (2026), though higher-income earners may pay more due to IRMAA (see below). Part B covers essential outpatient services you'll use regularly.
You can enroll in Part B when you enroll in Part A:
IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. If your modified adjusted gross income from two years ago exceeds a certain threshold (currently $109,000 for individuals or $218,000 for married couples filing jointly), you'll pay a surcharge on top of the standard Part B premium.
IRMAA can also apply to Part D premiums. The extra amount ranges from about $70 to $400+ per month depending on your income bracket. If your income has dropped since then (due to retirement, for example), you can appeal the surcharge with Social Security.
If you delay enrolling in Part B without creditable health coverage, you may face a permanent penalty of 10% per year for every 12 months you were eligible but not enrolled.
Exceptions: You can delay Part B without penalty if you're still working and covered by employer-sponsored health insurance, or if you meet other special circumstances.
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you may still have another opportunity to enroll without penalties through a Special Enrollment Period.
You may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if you:
Important: You must enroll within 2 months (sometimes 3 months) of the event that triggers your SEP. Act quickly if you qualify!
If you delayed Part B because you had employer coverage, you won't face a late enrollment penalty as long as you enroll within 8 months of losing that coverage.
Once you're enrolled in Medicare, there are specific windows each year when you can make changes to your coverage.
October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes take effect January 1.
During AEP, you can:
This is the main window most people use to review and update their coverage each year.
January 1 through March 31 each year. Changes take effect the first of the following month.
The OEP is specifically for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During this window, you can:
You cannot use the OEP to go from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, that can only be done during AEP.
January 1 through March 31 each year. Coverage begins July 1 of that year.
The GEP is not for changing plans. It's a safety net for people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and need to sign up for Part A or Part B for the first time. Enrolling during GEP typically comes with a permanent late enrollment penalty of 10% per year for every 12 months you were eligible but didn't enroll.
You turned 65 in January 2024 but didn't enroll until January 2026 (2 years late). You'd owe a 20% increase to your Part B premium for the rest of your life.
Bottom line: It's much better to enroll during your IEP or SEP if possible to avoid permanent penalties.
Congratulations on getting Part A and Part B! But your enrollment journey isn't over. Now you need to decide what type of coverage best fits your needs.
This option gives you maximum flexibility. You keep Original Medicare (Part A & B), add a Medigap supplement to cover costs, and add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan.
Best for: People who like flexibility and want to see any doctor.
Also called Part C, Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. It includes Part A, Part B, and usually prescription drug coverage in one plan.
Best for: People who want simplicity and lower premiums (often $0).
The decision between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is complex and personal. That's where we come in. We'll help you understand your options and choose the right coverage for your situation.
Explore our resources to learn more about each option.
We'll walk you through the enrollment process step by step. Getting Medicare doesn't have to be confusing—we're here to make it simple.
Free consultations, always. No obligation, no pressure.