When you first get Medicare If you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that: Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65. Includes the month you turn 65. Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.

Do you automatically get signed up for Medicare?

Medicare will enroll you in Part B automatically. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you’re not getting disability benefits and Medicare when you turn 65, you’ll need to call or visit your local Social Security office, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Is Medicare Part A mandatory at age 65?

It is mandatory to sign up for Medicare Part A once you enroll in Social Security. The two are permanently linked. However, Medicare Parts B, C, and D are optional and you can delay enrollment if you have creditable coverage. Your specific circumstances affect the answer to the Medicare at 65 question.

When to sign up for Medicare Part A?

For those who are not receiving Social Security retirement benefits, enrolling in Medicare Part A can take place any time between three months before your 65th birthday through three months after your 65th birthday month.

What happens if you don’t sign up for Medicare on time?

Specifically, if you fail to sign up for Medicare on time, you’ll risk a 10 percent surcharge on your Medicare Part B premiums for each year-long period you go without coverage upon being eligible. (Since Medicare Part A is usually free, a late enrollment penalty doesn’t apply for most people.)

When does Medicare Part A coverage go back?

Your Part A coverage will go back (retroactively) 6 months from when you sign up, but no earlier than the first month you’re eligible for Medicare. You can only sign up for Part B during the periods listed below. Your coverage start date will depend on when you sign up.

Do you have to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65?

In this situation, the employer cannot require you to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65 or become eligible for Medicare due to disability. However, the law does not give the same protection to people who work for smaller employers — those with fewer than 20 employees.