If you're over 65 and already collecting Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) and you'll receive a Medicare card in the mail.

If you're not yet collecting Social Security benefits, the best time to sign up for Original Medicare is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) . Your IEP is the 3 months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and the 3 months after your birthday month.

What if I’m not collecting Social Security yet?

If you are close to turning 65 but are not getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare. Contact the Social Security Administration three months before you turn 65. You have a limited time to apply for Medicare, or you could miss out on coverage. You can sign up for Social Security and Medicare at the same time at your local Social Security Office.

Your IEP is the best time to sign up for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period Initial Enrollment Period you may experience penalties, higher premiums, and may have to wait for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll.

What if I'm still working when I turn 65?

If you plan to work past age 65 and are receiving health insurance coverage through your company, talk to your employer or union to find out how your coverage works with Medicare. Your employer can tell you if you need to sign up for Medicare Part A and/or B to avoid a late enrollment penalty later, or if you'll be able to sign up during Special Enrollment Period when your coverage ends.

What if I'm disabled?

If you're under 65 and disabled, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B after you get disability benefits from Social Security or certain disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) for 24 months.

The best time to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan is right after you enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).This is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) . Your IEP starts 3 months before your 65th birthday includes your birthday month, plus the 3 months after your birthday month. Or you could enroll later when you retire.

If you miss your IEP, you can still enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) , which runs each year from October 15 - December 7.

In some states, if you are under 65 and qualify, some Medicare Supplement insurance plans may be available to you. Turning 65 is also one way you can become eligible. When you turn 65, you have a 6-month window for a guaranteed right to enroll in a Medicare Supplement insurance plan. This enrollment period begins on the first day of the month in which you are 65 (or older) and enrolled in a Medicare Part B plan. You cannot be refused if you sign up during this open enrollment period.

Each year, you can add or change a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug) plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) , which lasts from October 15 - December 7. Sometimes you can also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) .

For a Medicare Supplement insurance plan you can sign up for a plan at any time during the year. There are also a few guaranteed issue periods during the year.

Medicare Advantage plans, sometimes called Part C, are a way to get all the benefits of Original Medicare's Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) and often Part D (prescription drug benefits) in one plan with an affordable premium. Medicare Advantage plans come with preventive care benefits and you can sometimes add benefits like dental, vision and hearing.

HMO: With a HMO plan, you choose a primary care physician (PCP) who you see for all your check-ups and regular exams. Your PCP also directs you to specialists when you need them. You'll save on doctor visits and pay premiums as low as $0.

PPO: With a PPO plan, you pick a primary care physician (PCP) for check-ups but can choose any doctor or specialist in your network without a referral. You can also see doctors outside your network but services may cost more.

Part D is Medicare's prescription drug program offered through private insurance companies. Most Medicare customers choose to add this on to complete a Medicare Supplement insurance plan or offer additional savings to Original Medicare. Our Part D plans will save you money when filling your prescriptions.

Medicare Supplement insurance plans (also known as Medigap) help pay for things that Original Medicare doesn't cover - like your deductibles, copays and coinsurance. You can see any doctor that accepts Medicare patients without referral, and you'll have a monthly bill that's predictable and budget-friendly. You can even buy dental and vision insurance.