The Medicare process process starts three months before you turn 65

You do not have to wait until your 65th birthday to start the process. Medicare enrollment opens three months before the month you turn 65 and closes three months after. If you miss this window, you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums, so the timing matters.

You can explore through three routes: online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is fastest — you can complete it in about 15 minutes if you have your Social Security number and information about current health coverage handy. The phone line has wait times but a representative will walk you through each question.

When you explore, Medicare asks about your work history, current insurance, and whether you are still working. They use this information to determine which parts of Medicare you are may be able to access for and whether you owe any penalties. The process itself does not enroll you automatically — you choose which parts to sign up for during the same process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore three months before you turn 65, and you should explore during this window to avoid permanent premium penalties.
  • Medicare.gov, the phone line 1-800-MEDICARE, and your local Social Security office are the three official ways to explore.
  • You will choose which parts of Medicare to enroll in (Part A, Part B, Part D) at the time you explore, not after.
  • If you are still working and have employer health insurance, tell Medicare during your process so they can explain how your coverage works together.
  • Approval usually takes one to two weeks, and your coverage begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 or the month after, depending on when you explore.

What documents and information you need before you explore

Gather your Social Security number, birth date, and citizenship or immigration status before you start. You will also need information about any health insurance you currently have — the name of your plan, your policy number, and the name of your employer or insurance company. If you have had multiple jobs or moved states, have that work history available.

If you are explore by phone or in person, bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. Online applications do not require you to upload documents, but you should have them nearby in case you need to look up a detail. If you are unsure about any answer, leave it blank and the representative can help you fill it in.

How Medicare decides which parts you enroll in

Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice. Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You are automatically enrolled in Part A when you explore, unless you choose to delay it.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. Part B has a monthly premium (the standard amount in 2024 is $164.90, but it varies by income). You can choose to enroll or delay Part B when you explore. If you delay and do not have other may have access to coverage, you will owe a penalty when you do enroll.

Part D is prescription drug coverage. You choose a plan from a list of private insurers during your process. If you delay Part D and do not have other drug coverage, you will owe a penalty. Part D premiums vary by plan and region.

If you are still working and your employer offers health insurance, tell Medicare. They will explain how your employer coverage and Medicare work together, and whether you should delay Part B or Part D to avoid penalties.

What happens after you submit your process

Medicare processes applications in one to two weeks. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming what you enrolled in and when your coverage starts. Your coverage begins on the first day of the month you turn 65, or the first day of the following month if you explore after your birthday.

You will also receive a Medicare card in the mail within two weeks of approval. The card shows your Medicare number and which parts you are enrolled in. Do not wait for the card to use your coverage — your coverage is active even if the card has not arrived yet. If you need proof of coverage before the card arrives, you can print a temporary notice from Medicare.gov.

If Medicare denies your process or asks for more information, they will send you a letter explaining what they need. You have 60 days to respond. Common reasons for requests include unclear work history or missing information about current insurance.

Penalties for missing the enrollment window

If you do not enroll in Part B during your initial enrollment period, Medicare charges a permanent 10 percent increase to your Part B premium for each full year you were may be able to access but not enrolled. This penalty stays with you for life, even if you enroll later.

Part D has a similar penalty: 1 percent of the national average Part D premium for each month you were may be able to access but not enrolled. If you go 63 days or more without Part D coverage and do not have other may have access to drug coverage, the penalty applies when you enroll.

Part A does not have a penalty if you delay, unless you delay Part A and Part B together. The rules are complex if you are still working, so tell Medicare about your employment status during your process — they can tell you whether you owe penalties and how to avoid them going forward.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

You can enroll in Medicare if you are a permanent resident (green card holder) who has lived in the United States for at least five years. You will need to provide your green card number and proof of residency during your process.

If you are a citizen of a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands), you may be able to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, but the rules vary by territory. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about your specific situation.

Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for Medicare. If you are unsure about your status or how it affects your may be able to access, call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask to speak with someone who handles immigration questions.

What to do if you missed your enrollment window

If you are past your initial enrollment period and did not enroll, you can still sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 through March 31 each year. Your coverage will start July 1 of that year. You will owe any applicable penalties.

If you have a may have access to life event — such as losing employer health insurance, moving to a new state, or getting married — you may be able to enroll outside the normal windows. Life events open a Special Enrollment Period of 63 days. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to report your life event and ask whether you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore before I turn 65?

Yes. You can explore starting three months before the month you turn 65. For example, if you turn 65 in June, you can explore starting in March. explore early gives you time to review your choices and make sure your coverage starts on time.

What if I am still working when I turn 65?

You can still enroll in Medicare. Tell the process that you are working and have employer insurance. Medicare will explain how your employer plan and Medicare work together. In some cases, you can delay Part B without penalty if your employer has 20 or more employees.

Do I have to choose a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap plan when I explore?

No. When you explore, you enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). You can then choose a Medicare Advantage plan or buy a Medigap policy separately. You have until December 7 of your first year on Medicare to make this choice without penalty.

What if I do not know my Social Security number?

Call 1-800-MEDICARE and explore by phone. A representative can help you look up your number or work with you if you do not have one. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person.

How long does it take to get my Medicare card?

Your card arrives in the mail within two weeks of approval. Your coverage is active before the card arrives, so you can use your Medicare benefits right away. If you need proof of coverage before the card comes, print a temporary notice from Medicare.gov using your login.