Find My Medicare Dates
Enter your date of birth and we'll show your effective date, your Initial Enrollment Period and your Medigap open-enrollment window.
Your Initial Enrollment Period
You can sign up for Medicare during the 7-month window around your 65th birthday month (3 months before, your birthday month, 3 months after). Enroll in the three months before your birthday month and coverage starts the first day of your birthday month (the month before if your birthday is on the 1st). Enroll later in the window and coverage starts the month after you sign up.
The Checklist
- Four to six months out — decide about Part B. If you (or your spouse) are still working and covered by an employer plan with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Part B without penalty. With fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes primary at 65 and you generally need Part B. Retiree plans and COBRA do not count as active employer coverage. This single decision is where the most expensive mistakes happen — ask us.
- Three months out — enroll in Part A and B at ssa.gov, by phone with Social Security, or in person. If you already receive Social Security, you'll be enrolled automatically and your card arrives by mail.
- Three months out — choose your path. Medicare Advantage, or a Supplement plus Part D. Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment window starts when you're 65 and enrolled in Part B; no insurer can decline you or charge more for health during it.
- Two months out — price your prescriptions. Whichever path you choose, we run your exact medication list against the drug coverage available in your county.
- One month out — enroll in your plan. Advantage, Medigap and Part D applications can all be submitted before your Medicare effective date so there's no gap.
- Fill the gaps. Supplement users usually add dental, vision and hearing; Advantage users often add a hospital indemnity plan to cover copays.
- Keep creditable drug coverage. Going 63+ days without it after your window ends triggers a permanent Part D penalty.
What Medicare Costs in 2026
- Part A: $0 premium for most people who worked 10+ years; $1,736 inpatient deductible per benefit period.
- Part B: $202.90 standard monthly premium (higher at higher incomes, based on your tax return from two years ago); $283 yearly deductible; then 20% of most services.
- Part D: premiums vary by plan; $2,100 yearly cap on covered drug costs.
Common Turning-65 Situations
- Still working, large employer: most people take Part A (it's premium-free) and delay Part B; HSA contributors should know Part A enrollment ends HSA eligibility.
- Spouse's plan: the same 20-employee rule applies to the spouse's employer.
- Retiring at 65: enroll in Part B now; when employer coverage ends you'll get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period, but the Medigap guaranteed window is only 63 days after the employer coverage ends.
- Under 65 on disability: Medicare starts automatically after 24 months of disability benefits; Medigap rights before 65 vary by state.
Common Questions
When should I sign up for Medicare if I'm turning 65?
Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7 months around your 65th birthday month. Sign up in the 3 months before it for coverage on the first day of your birthday month. If you're still working with employer coverage from an employer with 20+ employees, you can usually delay Part B without penalty.
Do I have to take Medicare at 65 if I'm still working?
Not necessarily. With active employer coverage from an employer with 20 or more employees, you can delay Part B penalty-free and enroll later with a Special Enrollment Period. With fewer than 20 employees, Medicare is primary and you generally should enroll. COBRA and retiree coverage don't count.
What happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?
You can enroll during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) with coverage starting the month after you sign up, and you may owe a Part B late-enrollment penalty of 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't — for as long as you have Part B.
Do I need to sign up for Medicare if I get Social Security?
If you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you're enrolled automatically in Parts A and B and your card arrives about 3 months before your 65th birthday. You can decline Part B if you have active employer coverage.
