65
Getting Started
Turning 65
Your 7-month window, milestones, and what to do first.
Turning 65 is when most people first become eligible for Medicare. You get a 7-month window — called your Initial Enrollment Period — to sign up without penalties.
The window starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.
Key points
- Sign up during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to avoid late penalties.
- If you already get Social Security, you're enrolled in Parts A and B automatically.
- Coverage starts the month you turn 65 if you sign up early in the window.
- You can delay Part B if you have qualifying employer coverage — see Working After 65.
What to do first
Check whether you'll have employer coverage past 65. If yes, learn the rules for delaying. If no, plan to enroll in Parts A and B during your Initial Enrollment Period, then decide between Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D, or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Next steps
Related topics
Educational only. This information is not personalized advice. For your specific situation, verify at Medicare.gov or speak with a licensed Medicare professional.