Why enrollment timing matters
Medicare enrollment isn't like signing up for a gym membership — you can't just join whenever you feel like it. There are specific windows when you're allowed to enroll, and missing them can result in permanent late enrollment penalties added to your monthly premium for the rest of your life.
The good news: if you know your dates ahead of time, signing up is straightforward. And if you're already past 65 and confused about where you stand, our licensed brokers can help you figure out your options — call us at 1-800-380-6821.
Your Initial Enrollment Period opens 3 months before your 65th birthday month. That's your earliest and best time to act. Don't wait until your birthday — coverage can start before you even turn 65 if you enroll early.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The Initial Enrollment Period is your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare. It's a 7-month window that surrounds the month you turn 65.
This gives you the earliest possible coverage start date and avoids any gap between your prior coverage ending and Medicare beginning. Most people aim to have Medicare active on the first day of their birthday month.
All Medicare enrollment periods
Beyond the IEP, there are several other windows that may apply to your situation. Here's a complete overview:
Your first chance to sign up for Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after.
The main window when anyone with Medicare can switch plans — change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, switch Advantage plans, or change their Part D drug plan. Changes take effect January 1.
If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan during AEP and changed your mind, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare during this window. Changes take effect the first of the following month.
Allows you to enroll in or change Medicare coverage outside of standard windows when certain life events occur. Duration varies by event — typically 2–3 months from the triggering event.
The fallback window for people who missed their IEP and don't qualify for a SEP. You can enroll in Part A and/or Part B, but coverage doesn't start until July 1 and late enrollment penalties will apply.
What triggers a Special Enrollment Period?
A Special Enrollment Period lets you make changes outside the normal windows. Common qualifying events include:
Can I delay Medicare if I have employer coverage?
Yes — and this is one of the most common questions we get. If you or your spouse are actively working and covered by a group health plan from an employer with 20 or more employees, you can delay Medicare Part B without penalty.
When that employer coverage ends, you get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B without any late penalty.
COBRA coverage and retiree health insurance are not considered "active employer coverage" for Medicare purposes. If you rely on COBRA or retiree benefits after leaving work, you may still face a Part B late enrollment penalty if you don't sign up for Medicare when first eligible.
Not sure if your coverage qualifies? Call us before making any decisions.
Late enrollment penalties
Missing your enrollment window without qualifying coverage results in permanent monthly penalties added to your premiums. These don't go away after a few years — they last as long as you have Medicare.
| Part | Penalty | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Part B | 10% added to your premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll | Permanent — for the entire time you have Part B |
| Part D | 1% of the national base premium × the number of months without creditable drug coverage | Permanent — added to your monthly Part D premium |
| Part A | 10% added to your premium for twice the number of years you delayed (only if you have to pay a premium) | Lasts for twice the years you delayed |
If you waited 2 years past your eligibility date without qualifying coverage, your Part B penalty would be 20% added to your premium permanently. At the 2026 standard premium of $185/month, that's an extra $37/month — $444/year — for life.
Calculate your potential penalty
How much could waiting cost you? Enter the months delayed to see the impact on your premium.
How to actually sign up for Medicare
There are three ways to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B:
- Online: ssa.gov — the Social Security Administration handles Medicare enrollment
- By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- In person: Visit your local Social Security office
Once you have Parts A and B, you can then choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a Part D drug plan through a licensed broker — at no cost to you. That's where we come in.
What's next after you enroll?
Signing up for Parts A and B is just the beginning. You'll still need to decide between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and whether to add a supplement or Part D plan. These guides will help: