When does Medicare coverage start?
You can sign up between January 1-March 31 each year. This is called the General Enrollment Period. Your coverage starts the month after you sign up. You might pay a monthly late enrollment penalty, if you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Get details about the late enrollment penalties. Special Situations (Special Enrollment Period)
If you’re eligible for Medicare because of your age, the Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you...
When can I sign up for Medicare?
Your 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B starts when you stop working, even if you choose COBRA or other coverage that’s not Medicare. If you lose your job-based health coverage before you or your spouse stop working, you have 8 months to sign up.
Joining a plan - Medicare
Enrollment period: You can: Coverage starts: Initial Enrollment Period (new to Medicare) Starts 3 months before you get Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) and ends 3 months after you get Medicare. Join any plan. You need both Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) to join a Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage.
Special Enrollment Periods - Medicare
You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Medicare drug coverage when certain events happen in your life, like if you move or you lose other coverage. These chances to make changes are called Special Enrollment Periods. The types of changes you can make and the timing depend on your life event.
Enrollment periods that happen each year Each year, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage for the following year. There are 2 separate enrollment periods each year. See the chart below for specific dates. During this enrollment period... You can... October 15–December 7 (Changes will take effect on
Prepare to sign up - Medicare
Most people get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) when first eligible (usually when turning 65). Answer a few questions to check when and how to sign up based on your personal situation. Learn about Part A and Part B sign up periods and when coverage starts.
When can I buy a Medigap policy? - Medicare
You must sign up for Medicare before you can buy a Medigap policy. When your employer coverage ends, you'll have a chance to sign up for Part B without paying a late enrollment penalty. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period will start once you sign up for Part B.
Get ready to buy - Medicare
Under federal law, you get a 6 month “Medigap Open Enrollment” period. It starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older.
Enrollment Period. See page 13 for more information about Special Enrollment Periods. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) Part B helps cover medically necessary services like doctors’ services, outpatient care, and other medical services that Part A doesn’t cover. Part B also covers many preventive services. Part B coverage is your choice.