One of the most common questions I receive is this one: How and when do I sign up for Medicare. This is not to be confused with when or how do I sign up for Social Security. That’s a separate question and answer. This will give an answer to these questions of when and how do I sign up for Medicare.

Unless you qualify for Medicare due to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) or because of disability, your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare will be during your Initial Enrollment Period. This period begins three months before the month of your birth and ends three months after the month of your birth. It is a seven-month window to enroll without any penalties.

It is important to note that if you are still working and have work insurance, you can delay enrolling in Medicare until you retire. You can do this and avoid penalties by updating Medicare about your employment status and work insurance when you do enroll.

You can enroll in Medicare Part A, often with no premium, at age 65 and begin receiving those benefits. You can wait to enroll in Medicare Part B until you retire or no longer have insurance through your employer. By doing this you can avoid paying the Part B premium ($185 per month in 2025) until you retire and need the Part B coverage.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is divided into four parts:

  • Medicare Part A is insurance for hospitalization, home or skilled nursing, and hospice.
  • Medicare Part B is medical insurance.
  • Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) is a private insurance option that covers hospital, medical and usually prescription drug costs.
  • Medicare Part D covers prescription medications.

Traditional Medicare is usually considered Parts A, B and D. Parts A and B have deductibles and a 20% coinsurance for all care. Often, individuals will choose a Medicare Supplement plan to help with the deductibles and coinsurance. These do have a cost so consider your options. Part C or Medicare Advantage Plans often have $0 monthly premiums. Some may have deductibles. For the most part, you only pay when you use services. The cost of these are different so compare carefully.

Traditional Medicare is usually considered Parts A, B and D. Parts A and B have deductibles and a 20% coinsurance for all care. Often, individuals will choose a Medicare Supplement plan to help with the deductibles and coinsurance. These do have a cost so consider your options.

Part C or Medicare Advantage Plans often have $0 monthly premiums. Some may have deductibles. For the most part, you only pay when you use services. The cost of these are different so compare carefully.

Medicare enrollment in your 60s

There are several ways to enroll in Medicare, whether you plan to retire or keep working:

If you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits between age 62 and up to 4 months before turning 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65.
If you apply for Social Security 3 months before you turn 65 or later, you can sign up for Medicare when you apply for Social Security.
If you are not ready to receive Social Security benefits at 65 because you are still working, you can apply online for Medicare only.

To Enroll

Create an account online at ssa.gov. This allows you to enroll in Medicare, sign up for Social Security and make changes to your personal information.
Call your local Social Security Office and make an appointment. The Odessa SS Office number is 866.404.1866. The Hobbs office number is 866.254.2611.
Call the national Social Security number to make an appointment or apply over the phone. That number is 800.772.1213.

When does your coverage start?

If you sign up in the first three months of your enrollment period, your coverage will start on the first day of your birth month.
If you sign up during your birth month or in the three months following your birth month, your coverage will begin the first of the month following your enrollment.

Avoid late enrollment penalties

It’s important to sign up for Medicare coverage during your Initial Enrollment Period, unless you have other coverage that’s similar in value to Medicare (like from an employer). If you don’t, you may have to pay an extra amount, called a late enrollment penalty.

Late enrollment penalties:

  • Are added to your monthly premium.
  • Are not a one-time late fee.
  • Are usually charged for as long as you have that type of coverage (for most people, that’s a lifetime penalty).
  • Go up the longer you wait to sign up – they’re based on how long you go without coverage similar to Medicare.

When and how to sign up for Medicare are important details to know. Please contact a health insurance professional for questions about your specific circumstances.

Adapted from usa.gov

This article is for information only and should not be considered a recommendation. Talk with a licensed Health Insurance Professional about your specific circumstances. For more information you can go to The Texas Department of Insurance.