Enrollment & timing

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QuestionEnrollment & timing

I'm still working at 65 — do I need to sign up now?

If you or your spouse are still working, you may be able to wait to sign up for Medicare without paying a late enrollment penalty. If you didn't sign up for Part B because you have group health plan coverage based on current employment, you can sign up any time you're still covered, or during the 8-month period that begins the month after employment or coverage ends, whichever happens first.

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QuestionEnrollment & timing

What happens if I sign up for Medicare late?

If you sign up for Part B late and didn't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, or go without Part D or other creditable drug coverage, you could owe a penalty. It's added to your monthly premium. It's not a one-time fee, and you usually keep it for as long as you have that coverage.

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QuestionEnrollment & timing

What is Medicare Open Enrollment, and can I change plans later?

Open Enrollment happens from October 15 to December 7 and is the time each year when you can make changes to your coverage. The changes you make are effective January 1 of next year. In most cases, if you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must keep it for the calendar year. If you're already in one, you can make one change from January 1 to March 31.

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QuestionEnrollment & timing

When can I sign up for Medicare?

Most people can first sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period, a 7-month window. It starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after.

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QuestionEnrollment & timing

Will I be signed up for Medicare automatically?

It depends. Some people get Part A and Part B automatically, and some have to sign up. If you're already getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you'll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. If you're close to 65 but aren't getting those benefits, you'll need to sign up for Medicare.

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General education, not individualized advice. For your own situation, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Enrollment & timing

I'm still working at 65 — do I need to sign up now?

What happens if I sign up for Medicare late?

What is Medicare Open Enrollment, and can I change plans later?

When can I sign up for Medicare?

Will I be signed up for Medicare automatically?

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