New to Medicare

At age 65, you are eligible for Medicare, regardless of whether you are already taking Social Security income benefits. Some people also qualify for Medicare earlier than 65 due to a disability or illness.

Social Security offers you a quick online application for Medicare that can be completed in just fewer minutes. You do not have to be receiving income benefits to get Medicare. Just visit the Social Security website and follow the links about applying for Medicare.

No, but there are significant penalties for late enrollment unless you have other creditable medical coverage, such as from a large employer.

Around your 65th birthday you’ll have a 7-month window in which you can sign up for Medicare to avoid lifelong penalties. It’s called your Initial Enrollment Period — or IEP for short. Your IEP includes the month you turn 65, the 3-months before and the 3-months after your birthday month.

For Example:

You turn 65 on June 7. Your IEP is from March 1 to September 30.

However, if your birthday is on the 1st day of the month, then your IEP is determined as though you were born the month before.

For Example:

You turn 65 on June 1. Your IEP is from February 1 to August 31.

You can print a copy of your Medicare card by logging into your Medicare account. However, if your card is lost or stolen and you need a new Medicare number or your name changed on the card, you can request a new card through your SSA account.

Part A costs $0 for most people (because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough while working - generally at least 10 years). If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A: You might be able to buy it. For 2024 you’ll pay either $278 or $505 each month for Part A, depending on how long you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes. If you have to pay for Part A, the premium amount is usually very stable but the amount can change each year.

Part B in 2024 costs $174.70 each month or higher depending on your income. The amount can change each year. You’ll pay the premium each month, even if you don’t receive any Part B-covered services. You might have to pay a monthly penalty if you don’t enroll in Part B when you’re first eligible for Medicare. You’ll pay the penalty for as long as you have Part B. The penalty goes up the longer you wait to sign up.