If you don’t enroll in Medicare during the initial enrollment period around your 65th birthday, you can sign up during the general enrollment period between Jan. 1 and March 31 each year for coverage that will begin July 1. However, you could be charged a late enrollment penalty when your benefit starts.

What happens if you don’t sign up for Medicare by your 65th birthday?

If you wait until the month you turn 65 (or the 3 months after you turn 65) to enroll, your Part B coverage will be delayed. This could cause a gap in your coverage. In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

How do I get a free Medicare guide?

Get free, personalized counseling from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)—see pages 113–116 for the phone number. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

What happens if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part A?

If you don’t buy it when you’re first eligible, your monthly premium may go up 10%. (You’ll have to pay the higher premium for twice the number of years you could have had Part A, but didn’t sign up.) All Medicare Advantage Plans must cover these services.

What does it mean if your Medicare plan has no premium?

But just because a Medicare Advantage plan has a zero premium doesn’t mean the plan covers all your health-care costs. No matter whether they have a $0 premium or not, Medicare Advantage plans give you an opportunity to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company contracted with Medicare.

Are there any Medicare Advantage plans with zero premiums?

If you’re doing some research about Medicare Advantage plans, you might have discovered some $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans. But just because a Medicare Advantage plan has a zero premium doesn’t mean the plan covers all your health-care costs.

Who is eligible for Medicare Part A at no cost?

Who can get Medicare? Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A. You’re eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if one of the following applies: • You receive or are eligible to receive benefits