You have multiple opportunities to sign up for Medicare. Each enrollment period has different rules about when you can apply and when your coverage will start.
Initial enrollment period
You can first sign up for Medicare during a seven-month period around your 65th birthday. It starts three months before your birthday, includes the month of your birthday and ends three months after you turn 65.
If you sign up for Medicare during the three months before your birthday, your coverage will start the first day of your birthday month. If you enroll in Medicare during or within three months after your birthday month, your coverage will start the first day of the next month.
Special enrollment period
If you missed your initial enrollment period, there are certain situations where you can still enroll in Medicare during a special enrollment period. A special enrollment period is only available for a limited time. If you don’t sign up for Medicare during this time, you will need to wait until the next general enrollment period, and you may have to pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.
Learn more about the special enrollment period.
General enrollment period
If you missed your initial enrollment period and did not qualify for a special enrollment period, you can sign up for Medicare between January 1 and March 31 each year. Your coverage will start the first day of the month after you sign up, and you may pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.
Open enrollment period
If you already have a Medicare plan, you can choose to add, drop or change your plan from October 15 through December 7 each year. Your new coverage will start on January 1 the following year.