Turning 65 triggers your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare — a 7-month window built around your birthday month. Here's what that timeline looks like and what to do in each phase.
| Timeframe | What It Covers | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months before your birthday month | Start of your Initial Enrollment Period | Review Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage; gather documents |
| Your birthday month | Middle of your enrollment window | Enroll now for coverage to start on time, without gaps |
| 3 months after your birthday month | End of your Initial Enrollment Period | Last chance to enroll without a late-enrollment penalty (if not otherwise covered) |
If you have qualifying employer group coverage, you may be able to delay Medicare without a penalty. This depends on the size of the employer and how the plan coordinates with Medicare. It's worth confirming your specific situation before your window closes — a licensed agent or your HR department can help verify this.
In most cases you're automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B when your Social Security benefits have already started, and your card arrives a few months before your 65th birthday.
You may need to wait for the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31) and could face a late-enrollment penalty, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Yes. You can make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) or certain Special Enrollment Periods.
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