Turning 65? How to enroll in Medicare

Start preparing for Medicare 9 to 12 months before you turn 65.

Most people enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) as soon as they become eligible, usually at age 65. Enroll on time to avoid coverage gaps or late enrollment penalties. Understand when to sign up for Medicare before turning 65, and you can approach this transition with confidence.

If you're already covered by an employer group health plan, it may be better to delay Medicare Part B enrollment. If you're 65 or older and already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A.

Timeline: When to sign up for Medicare

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the 7-month window around your 65th birthday when you can first enroll in Medicare.

9 – 12 months before turning 65

• Contact the Social Security Administration online or to confirm your eligibility.
• Enrolled in Social Security benefits before age 65? You'll automatically receive Medicare Parts A and B at 65.
• Plan to delay Social Security benefits? Sign up for Original Medicare 3 months before turning 65 so you can enroll in Medicare at age 65 without gaps.

6 – 8 months before turning 65

• Check with your healthcare providers to make sure they accept Medicare.
• Research Medicare Advantage plans by exploring options like Geisinger Gold, which can offer more value than Original Medicare.

3 months before turning 65

• If you previously signed up for Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, expect your Initial Enrollment package in the mail.
• Are you delaying Social Security benefits? Then sign up for Medicare to avoid penalties or coverage delays.
• Apply to Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage for enrollment effective the first day of the month that you turn 65.
• Need help? Speak with a licensed Medicare advisor 1:1 on the phone or schedule a home visit to discuss how to apply for Medicare.

Turning 65? You can still enroll in Medicare

• You can still enroll in Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan anytime during your birthday month and up to 3 months afterward.

3 months after turning 65

• If you enroll in Part A and/or Part B the month you turn 65 or during the 3 months after, coverage begins the month after you sign up.
• Delays past 3 months typically come with penalties and can push the start date up to 3 months after enrollment.

Still working at 65? Consider carefully before you sign up for Medicare

Eligibility begins when you turn 65. You may sign up for Medicare Parts A and B even if you continue working — but it might not be necessary. Speak with a licensed agent or Medicare before making that decision.

• Special Enrollment Period: Once you retire, you have 8 months to enroll without a penalty. This period begins from your last day of work or the end of Employer Group Coverage, whichever comes first.
• Initial Enrollment Period: If working past 65, sign up for Part A during your Initial Enrollment Period.
• Premium-Free Part A: If you’ve paid Medicare taxes for a certain amount of time, you may qualify for Part A without a premium.
• Employer coverage: Decided to keep your employer health coverage when you turn 65? Check with your employer to confirm that your plan is considered creditable so you understand how it works with Medicare.

Medicare Part A

• Sign up at the start of your Initial Enrollment Period.
• If Medicare taxes were paid for a certain amount of time, you may qualify for Part A with no premium.

Medicare Part B

The size of your employer matters.

• 20 or more: If you or your spouse work for an employer with 20 or more employees and have group health coverage, you may delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without a late penalty. Confirm with your benefits manager if your coverage qualifies as a group health plan as defined by the IRS.
• Under 20: For those working for an employer with fewer than 20 employees or without qualifying group health plan coverage, you should enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B when first eligible at 65. Delaying enrollment may result in a lifetime late enrollment penalty for Part B.

Medicare Part D

When you’re considering your Medicare options, you can choose to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage to avoid late enrollment penalties.