Topic

Medicare at 65

Turning 65 starts a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period. It is not the same as fall Open Enrollment. Start with the window, then employer coverage, COBRA, and an HSA if those apply.

Read these together

1. 1Turning 65 guideWhat the first enrollment window is for, and the mistakes people make in it.
2. 2Your Medicare timeline, month by monthThe three months before your birthday month, the birthday month, and the three months after.
3. 3Which enrollment window am I in?Initial Enrollment, fall Annual Enrollment, and a Supplement window are different dates.
4. 4Still working at 65?Employer size and creditable coverage decide whether you can delay Part B.
5. 5COBRA vs Medicare at 65COBRA is not current employer coverage. Waiting on it can cause a Part B penalty.
6. 6HSAs and Medicare Part AHSA contributions generally stop once any part of Medicare starts.
7. 7Late Part B and Part D penaltiesWhat a late penalty is, and why the sketch on this site is not a bill.

Tools for this question

• Which enrollment window am I in?A short check of the window that matches your dates.
• New to MedicareThe same starting point, written for someone who has not enrolled yet.

Common questions

When should I sign up for Medicare if I am turning 65?

The Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months around your 65th birthday month. It is not October 15 to December 7. Signing up earlier in the window can help coverage start when you want it to.

Can I wait if I am still working?

Sometimes. Coverage from a current employer with 20 or more employees may let you delay Part B. Get that in writing. COBRA usually does not count.

What should I do first?

Write down your birthday month, whether you or a spouse is still working, and whether you have an HSA. Then read the timeline. This site does not enroll you.

Start a checkup as someone new to Medicare

Other topics

• Keeping your doctors
• Lowering Medicare costs