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1

Welcome to Medicare: Your Health Coverage at 65

Congratulations! Turning 65 is a major milestone, and with it comes the opportunity to enroll in Medicare — the federal health insurance program that will likely cover most of your healthcare costs for the rest of your life.

If this feels overwhelming, you're not alone. Medicare has many parts, rules, and deadlines. But don't worry — we'll walk through everything step by step, in plain English, so you can make confident decisions about your health coverage.

💡

You're in the right place

This guide covers everything you need to know about enrolling in Medicare when you turn 65. Every number, deadline, and tip is current for 2026.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older (and some younger people with disabilities). It helps pay for hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other medical services.

Medicare has several parts:

  • Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home health care
  • Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient services, medical equipment, and some preventive services
  • Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Covers prescription medications
  • Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative way to get Medicare through private insurance companies

The Initial Enrollment Period: Your 7-Month Window

When you turn 65, you get a special time called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to sign up for Medicare. This is a 7-month window that includes:

📅 Your 7-Month Window
  • 3 months before your birthday month
  • Your birthday month itself
  • 3 months after your birthday month
🎯 Example: Barbara's Timeline

Barbara turns 65 on July 15, 2026. Her Initial Enrollment Period runs from April 1, 2026, through October 31, 2026 — seven full months. She can sign up at any point during this window.

If your birthday falls on the first day of any month, Medicare treats it as if it occurred in the previous month. This means your enrollment period starts and ends one month earlier.

Example: Joe's July 1st Birthday

Joe's birthday is July 1, 2026. Medicare treats this as a June birthday. His IEP runs from March 1 through September 30, 2026, and his coverage can start as early as June 1, 2026.

Why This Window Matters

The Initial Enrollment Period is the most important enrollment period in Medicare. Here's why:

  • It's your best chance to enroll without penalties
  • Missing it can result in lifelong financial penalties
  • You might face gaps in health coverage
  • Some supplemental insurance options are only guaranteed during this time
⚠️

Common Myth: "I'll be automatically enrolled"

Reality: You're only automatically enrolled if you're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65. If you're still working or haven't claimed Social Security yet, you must sign up yourself.

📋 Step 1 Summary

  • Medicare is your federal health insurance starting at 65
  • You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period centered on your 65th birthday
  • This window is crucial — missing it can cost you money for life
  • You may need to sign up yourself (not automatic for everyone)

🔜 What's Next in Step 2

We'll dive into the two main parts of Medicare you'll encounter first: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). You'll learn what each covers, what they cost in 2026, and some insider tips to save money.

2

Understanding Medicare Parts A & B

Medicare has several parts, but when you turn 65, you'll primarily deal with Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). These two parts form the foundation of your Medicare coverage.

Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance

Part A is often called "hospital insurance" because it covers costs when you need to stay in a hospital. But it covers more than that:

  • Inpatient hospital care: Semi-private rooms, meals, general nursing, drugs given during your hospital stay, and other hospital services
  • Skilled Nursing Facility care: Care in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay of at least 3 days (Part A covers up to 100 days per benefit period)
  • Hospice care: For people with terminal illness expected to live 6 months or less, covering pain relief and support services
  • Home health care: Medically necessary part-time skilled nursing, physical therapy, or occupational therapy in your home

2026 Part A Costs

Cost Component 2026 Amount Notes
Premium (most people) $0 Free for those with 40+ quarters of Medicare-covered work
Premium (30–39 quarters) $284/month Reduced premium for some work history
Premium (fewer than 30 quarters) $565/month Full premium for limited work history
Inpatient deductible (per benefit period) $1,736 Applies to days 1–60 of each hospital stay
Coinsurance, Days 61–90 $434/day Per benefit period
Coinsurance, Days 91–150 (lifetime reserve) $868/day Each person has 60 lifetime reserve days
Beyond 150 days 100% (no coverage) Part A does not cover beyond lifetime reserve days
💡

Great News: Part A is Usually Free

About 99% of Medicare beneficiaries pay $0 for Part A because they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years). If you're unsure whether you qualify, check your Social Security statement at ssa.gov/myaccount.

Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance

Part B is "medical insurance" that covers two main categories of services:

Medically Necessary Services:
  • Doctor's office visits and specialist consultations
  • Outpatient hospital services
  • Durable Medical Equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen equipment)
  • Ambulance services
  • Mental health and substance use disorder services
  • Limited outpatient prescription drugs (like chemotherapy)
  • Clinical research participation
Preventive Services (at no cost to you):
  • Annual wellness visits
  • Flu and pneumonia vaccines
  • Mammograms and colonoscopies
  • Cardiovascular and diabetes screenings
  • Many other health screenings

2026 Part B Costs

Cost Component 2026 Amount Change from 2025
Standard Monthly Premium $202.90 +$17.90 (was $202.90 in 2025)
Annual Deductible $283 +$26 (was $257 in 2025)
Coinsurance (after deductible) 20% No change
💰 How Part B Coinsurance Works

Susan has a doctor's visit that Medicare approves at $200. She has already met her $283 annual deductible. Medicare pays 80% ($160), and Susan pays 20% ($40). If Susan has a Medigap supplemental policy, it would typically cover that $40 coinsurance.

💡

Free Preventive Care

You pay $0 for most preventive services if your provider accepts Medicare "assignment" (meaning they accept Medicare's approved payment amount). Always ask your doctor if they accept Medicare assignment before your appointment.

Higher-Income Surcharges (IRMAA)

If your income is higher than certain thresholds, you'll pay extra for Part B. This is called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). It's based on your income from two years prior — so your 2026 IRMAA is based on your 2024 tax return.

2024 Individual Income 2024 Joint Income 2026 Monthly Part B Premium (Total)
≤ $109,000 ≤ $218,000 $202.90 (standard)
> $109,000 – $137,000 > $218,000 – $274,000 $284.10
> $137,000 – $171,000 > $274,000 – $342,000 $405.80
> $171,000 – $205,000 > $342,000 – $410,000 $527.50
> $205,000 – < $500,000 > $410,000 – < $750,000 $649.20
≥ $500,000 ≥ $750,000 $689.90

Yes! If you had a significant life-changing event that reduced your income (such as retirement, divorce, death of a spouse, or a large one-time income event like a Roth conversion), you can appeal your IRMAA determination using Form SSA-44.

If approved, your premium can be recalculated using more recent income data. This could save you hundreds of dollars per month.

📋 Step 2 Summary

  • Part A (Hospital Insurance) is usually free and covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and home health care
  • Part B (Medical Insurance) costs $202.90/month in 2026 and covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and preventive care
  • Higher earners pay IRMAA surcharges based on income from two years prior
  • Preventive services are free when you use providers who accept Medicare assignment

🔜 What's Next in Step 3

Now that you understand what Medicare covers and costs, we'll tackle one of the most important decisions: when to sign up versus when you can safely delay enrollment. This decision could save you from lifetime penalties.

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3

When to Sign Up vs. When to Delay

One of the most important decisions you'll make is when to enroll in Medicare. While most people should sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period, there are legitimate situations where delaying makes sense — and dangerous situations where people mistakenly delay and pay the price.

When You Can Safely Delay Part B

You can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without penalty if you meet these specific conditions:

Safe to Delay When:

  • You or your spouse is still actively working
  • You have health coverage through that employer's group health plan
  • The employer has 20 or more employees

When you meet these conditions, you get a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that gives you 8 months to sign up for Part B after your employment ends or your employer coverage ends — whichever comes first.

🏢 Example: Bill's Safe Delay

Bill turns 65 in June 2026, but he's still working full-time at a company with 300 employees and has health insurance through his employer. Bill can safely delay Part B enrollment.

When he retires in March 2028, his 8-month Special Enrollment Period begins in April 2028. He should enroll in Part B before December 2028 to avoid a penalty.

When You Cannot Safely Delay: Critical Distinctions

Many people make costly mistakes by assuming their coverage qualifies for a delay exemption when it doesn't. The following types of coverage do NOT protect you from the Part B late enrollment penalty:

COBRA Coverage

Even though COBRA continues your former employer's health plan, it does not count as active employer coverage under Medicare rules. If you have COBRA when you turn 65, you should enroll in Medicare.

Retiree Health Insurance

Coverage from a former employer after you have retired does not count as active employer coverage, even if your former employer is paying for it.

Marketplace/ACA Plans

Coverage purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Obamacare plans) does not exempt you from the Medicare enrollment requirement or penalties.

Small Employer Coverage (Fewer than 20 employees)

If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes the primary payer when you turn 65. Your employer plan only pays after Medicare pays first. Without Medicare, you could be left paying bills that Medicare would have covered.

⚠️

Small Employer Trap

If you work for a company with fewer than 20 employees, you likely still need to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B at 65, even if you have employer coverage. Your employer plan becomes secondary, meaning it only pays what Medicare doesn't cover. Always check with your HR or benefits manager.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

If you're delaying Medicare enrollment and you contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA), you must be careful about timing:

You must stop contributing to your HSA at least 6 months before you plan to enroll in Medicare.

Why? Medicare Part A coverage can be retroactive for up to 6 months from the date you apply. If you contributed to your HSA during a period when you were retroactively enrolled in Medicare, those contributions become excess contributions and are subject to income tax and a 6% excise tax penalty.

Safe approach: Stop HSA contributions 6 months before you plan to retire or lose employer coverage, even if you're not sure exactly when you'll enroll in Medicare.

Decision Flowchart

🤔 Should I Delay Medicare Part B?

Ask yourself these questions:

  1. Am I (or my spouse) still actively working?
    If no → Enroll in Medicare now
  2. Do I have group health coverage through that employment?
    If no → Enroll in Medicare now
  3. Does the employer have 20 or more employees?
    If no → Enroll in Medicare now
  4. Do I contribute to an HSA?
    If yes → Stop HSA contributions 6 months before enrolling in Medicare

If you answered "yes" to questions 1, 2, and 3: You can safely delay Part B. If any answer is "no," you should enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period.

Usually, no. Since Part A is free for most people and doesn't interfere with HSA contributions as much as Part B does, many people enroll in Part A at 65 even when delaying Part B.

Exception: If you're contributing to an HSA and want to continue doing so, you may need to delay both Part A and Part B, since any Medicare coverage can affect HSA eligibility.

Recommendation: Consult with your employer's HR department and consider speaking with a Medicare counselor about your specific situation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️

Mistake #1: Assuming COBRA = Active Employment

Just because you're paying for the same insurance plan through COBRA doesn't mean it counts as employer coverage for Medicare purposes. COBRA is considered individual coverage.

⚠️

Mistake #2: Not Checking Employer Size

The 20-employee rule is firm. If your employer has 19 employees, your group plan expects Medicare to pay first. Verify your employer's size with HR before making your decision.

⚠️

Mistake #3: Continuing HSA Contributions Too Long

Many people don't realize that Medicare enrollment can be retroactive, making past HSA contributions invalid. Plan ahead and stop contributions early to be safe.

📋 Step 3 Summary

  • You can safely delay Part B only if you have active employer coverage through a company with 20+ employees
  • COBRA, retiree insurance, and marketplace plans do NOT protect you from penalties
  • Small employers (under 20 employees) make Medicare the primary payer at 65
  • Stop HSA contributions 6 months before enrolling in Medicare
  • When in doubt, enroll in Medicare to avoid penalties

🔜 What's Next in Step 4

What happens if you miss your Initial Enrollment Period? We'll cover the late enrollment penalties, coverage gaps, and your limited options if you miss the deadline.

4

What Happens If You Miss the Initial Enrollment Period

Missing your Initial Enrollment Period without a qualifying reason triggers two serious consequences: permanent financial penalties and gaps in coverage. Understanding these consequences can help you avoid costly mistakes.

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The Reality of Late Enrollment Penalties

Medicare's late enrollment penalties are permanent — you pay them every month for the rest of your life, not just for a year or two. They're designed to encourage people to enroll when first eligible.

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

The Part B late enrollment penalty is 10% of the standard Part B premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible for Part B but didn't enroll. This penalty is added to your monthly premium and lasts for the rest of your life.

💸 Penalty Calculation Example

Susan's Story: Susan was eligible for Part B when she turned 65 but didn't enroll. She finally signs up at age 68 — three years (three full 12-month periods) after she was first eligible.

Her penalty: 30% of the standard premium (10% × 3 years)

In 2026: $202.90 + (30% × $202.90) = $202.90 + $60.87 = $263.77 per month instead of $202.90

Extra cost: $60.87 per month = $730.44 per year for the rest of her life

Years Late Penalty Percentage 2026 Monthly Premium Extra Cost Per Year
1 year 10% $223.19 $243.48
2 years 20% $243.48 $486.96
3 years 30% $263.77 $730.44
4 years 40% $284.06 $973.92
5 years 50% $304.35 $1,217.40
🧮

How the Penalty is Calculated

The penalty is based on full 12-month periods you went without coverage. So if you were eligible in June 2026 but didn't enroll until May 2028, that's 1 full 12-month period (June 2026 to June 2027), resulting in a 10% penalty, not a 20% penalty.

Part D (Prescription Drug) Late Enrollment Penalty

The Part D late enrollment penalty is calculated differently than Part B. You pay 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each full month you went without creditable prescription drug coverage. In 2026, the national base beneficiary premium is $34.70, so the penalty is about $0.35 per month of delay.

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What Counts as "Creditable" Drug Coverage?

To avoid the Part D penalty, you need creditable coverage that's at least as good as Medicare's standard drug benefit. This includes:

  • Employer or union health plans with prescription coverage
  • TRICARE
  • Veterans Affairs (VA) drug coverage
  • Indian Health Service coverage

Not creditable: Most discount drug programs, Medicare Supplement insurance, or coverage that only pays a fixed dollar amount.

Part D Penalty Example

Tom was eligible for Part D at 65 but didn't enroll for 18 months because he rarely took medications. When he finally signs up, his penalty is:

18 months × 1% × $34.70 = $6.25 added to his monthly premium permanently

The General Enrollment Period (GEP): Your Safety Net

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you must wait for the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. Coverage begins on July 1 of that year.

⚠️

Coverage Gap Warning

Depending on when you turn 65 and miss your IEP, you could face a coverage gap of up to 18 months. For example, if your IEP ends in October 2026 and you miss it, you can't enroll until the 2027 GEP (January-March), and coverage won't start until July 2027.

Step 5: How to Actually Enroll

Ready to sign up? Here's exactly how to enroll in Medicare and what documents you'll need.

Three Ways to Enroll

📞

By Phone

Call 1-800-772-1213
(TTY: 1-800-325-0778)

  • Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 7 PM local time
  • Representatives walk you through
  • Can ask questions directly
🏢

In Person

Visit your local Social Security office

  • Find locations at SSA.gov/locator
  • Make appointment in advance
  • Bring all required documents

Documents You May Need

Social Security may already have much of your information, but have these documents ready:

📋

Proof of Age

  • Original birth certificate
  • Certified copy from birth state
  • U.S. passport
🇺🇸

Proof of Citizenship

  • U.S. passport
  • Naturalization certificate
  • Certificate of citizenship
  • Permanent resident card (green card)
💼

Work History

  • W-2 forms from past year
  • Self-employment tax records
  • Military discharge papers (DD-214) if service before 1968
🏥

Employer Coverage Info

  • Form CMS-L564 (if delaying Part B)
  • Letter from employer about coverage
  • Insurance card showing group coverage

Automatic Enrollment: Who Gets Enrolled Automatically

🔄

You're Automatically Enrolled If:

You're already receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits at least four months before you turn 65.

What happens:

  • You'll receive your Medicare card about 3 months before your 65th birthday
  • Coverage starts the first day of your birthday month
  • You're enrolled in both Part A and Part B
  • No action needed from you

Don't Want Part B?

If you're automatically enrolled but don't want Part B (because you have employer coverage), you can decline it by following the instructions with your Medicare card. You must act before your coverage starts to avoid being charged the premium.

When Your Coverage Starts

Your coverage start date depends on when during your IEP you enroll:

When You Sign Up During IEP Coverage Starts Example
3 months before birthday month First day of birthday month Sign up in April → Coverage July 1
2 months before birthday month First day of birthday month Sign up in May → Coverage July 1
1 month before birthday month First day of birthday month Sign up in June → Coverage July 1
Your birthday month First day of following month Sign up in July → Coverage August 1
1 month after birthday month First day of following month Sign up in August → Coverage September 1
2 months after birthday month First day of following month Sign up in September → Coverage October 1
3 months after birthday month First day of following month Sign up in October → Coverage November 1
Pro Tip: To have coverage start on your 65th birthday, sign up during the first three months of your IEP (the three months before your birthday month).
Chapter Medicare — Licensed Medicare Advisors

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Step 6: 2026 Medicare Costs & Policy Updates

Here are all the key Medicare figures for 2026, plus important policy changes that could affect your coverage and costs.

Complete 2026 Medicare Cost Summary

Cost Category 2026 Amount 2025 Amount Change
Part B Monthly Premium (Standard) $202.90 $202.90 +$17.90
Part B Annual Deductible $283 $257 +$26
Part A Premium (most people) $0 $0 No change
Part A Inpatient Deductible $1,736 $1,676 +$60
Part A Coinsurance (Days 61-90) $434/day $419/day +$15
Part A Lifetime Reserve (Days 91-150) $868/day $838/day +$30
Part D Out-of-Pocket Cap $2,100 $2,000 +$100
Part D Maximum Deductible $615 $590 +$25
Medicare Advantage OOP Maximum $9,250 $9,350 -$100
Insulin Cost Cap (Part B & D) $35/month $35/month No change

Major 2026 Policy Changes

💉

GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Now Covered

Big news for 2026: Medicare will now cover certain GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss, including popular drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.

  • Your cost: Maximum $50 per month
  • Medicare pays: Approximately $245 per month
  • Who qualifies: Must meet clinical criteria for obesity treatment
💊

Enhanced Insulin & Vaccine Coverage

Insulin Cap Made Permanent

The $35 monthly insulin cost cap is now permanent and applies annually with no deductible.

Free Adult Vaccines

All ACIP-recommended adult vaccines are permanently covered at $0 cost under Part D plans.

🤖

AI-Assisted Prior Authorization Pilot

Six states are testing AI-assisted prior authorization to speed up approvals for medical services:

New Jersey Ohio Oklahoma Texas Arizona Washington

Human clinicians still make all final decisions.

💰 What These Changes Mean for Your Budget

While most Medicare costs increased modestly for 2026, the new GLP-1 coverage could provide substantial savings if you need these medications. The monthly cost difference could be over $400 per month compared to paying out-of-pocket.

Step 7: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Don't let these costly Medicare enrollment mistakes catch you off guard. Here are the myths and misconceptions that trip up thousands of people every year.

MYTH: "I'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare"

Reality: You're only automatically enrolled if you're already receiving Social Security benefits at least 4 months before turning 65. If you're still working and haven't claimed Social Security, you must enroll yourself.

Action: Don't assume anything. If you're not sure, visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 during your IEP.

MYTH: "COBRA counts as employer coverage"

Reality: COBRA does NOT protect you from Medicare late enrollment penalties. Even though it continues your former employer's plan, Medicare doesn't consider it "active" employer coverage.

Action: If you have COBRA when you turn 65, enroll in Medicare during your IEP to avoid lifetime penalties.

MYTH: "Small company insurance protects me from penalties"

Reality: If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes the PRIMARY payer at age 65. Your employer plan only pays after Medicare. Without Medicare, you could face massive bills.

Action: If your company has under 20 employees, enroll in Medicare even if you're still working and have employer coverage.

MYTH: "I can keep contributing to my HSA after enrolling in Medicare"

Reality: You cannot contribute to an HSA once you're enrolled in Medicare. Even worse, Medicare Part A can be retroactive up to 6 months, making past HSA contributions into taxable "excess contributions."

Action: Stop HSA contributions at least 6 months before you plan to enroll in Medicare.

MYTH: "I don't need Part D because I don't take medications"

Reality: The Part D late enrollment penalty applies even if you currently take no medications. If you don't have other creditable drug coverage, you'll pay 1% more for every month you delay—permanently.

Action: Enroll in a low-cost Part D plan during your IEP, even if you don't currently need prescription drugs.

MYTH: "I can buy Medigap insurance anytime"

Reality: You only get ONE 6-month window when insurers must sell you Medigap coverage regardless of your health. This starts when you're enrolled in Part B at age 65 or older. Miss this window, and you can be denied or charged much more.

Action: Shop for Medigap coverage during your 6-month open enrollment period if you want supplemental insurance.

MYTH: "All Medicare Advantage plans cover my doctors"

Reality: Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks. Your current doctors may not be "in-network" with the plan you choose, potentially disrupting your care or costing you much more.

Action: Before choosing any Medicare Advantage plan, verify that your doctors, hospitals, and specialists are in the plan's network.

MYTH: "I missed my deadline, so I have to wait a full year"

Reality: While you may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31), you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you have qualifying life events like losing employer coverage.

Action: If you missed your IEP, immediately check if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period before waiting for the next GEP.

🛡️ Mistake Prevention Checklist

Step 8: Financial Assistance & Final Steps

Don't pay more than you have to. Learn about programs that can significantly reduce your Medicare costs, plus get your final action plan.

Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)

The Extra Help program can save you thousands of dollars per year on prescription drug costs. This federal program helps with Part D premiums, deductibles, and copayments.

2026 Extra Help Eligibility

Individual Income Limit
$2,015/month
Married Couple Income Limit
$2,725/month
Resource Limits
Varies by situation

🎯 Automatic Qualification

You automatically qualify for Extra Help if you receive:

  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Medicare Savings Program benefits

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

These state programs help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for people with limited income and resources.

QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary)

Pays for:
  • Part A premiums
  • Part B premiums
  • Deductibles
  • Coinsurance

SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary)

Pays for:
  • Part B premiums ($202.90/month in 2026)

QI (Qualifying Individual)

Pays for:
  • Part B premiums
  • (Limited funding - first come, first served)

Your Action Plan Summary

NOW

Immediate Actions

  • Calculate your exact 7-month IEP dates
  • Review current employer coverage details
  • Gather required documents
3 MONTHS BEFORE 65

Optimal Enrollment Window

  • Enroll in Parts A & B for coverage starting on your 65th birthday
  • Choose Part D plan or Medicare Advantage
  • Shop for Medigap if choosing Original Medicare
  • Apply for Extra Help if income-eligible
IEP ENDS

Final Deadline

  • Last chance to enroll without penalty (unless you qualify to delay)
  • Missing this deadline = lifetime penalties + coverage gap
  • Next chance: General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 - Mar 31)

Quick Reference: Key Contacts & Resources

Need Help With Contact Website/Phone
Medicare Enrollment Social Security Administration SSA.gov/medicare/sign-up
1-800-772-1213
Extra Help Application Social Security Administration SSA.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help
1-800-772-1213
Medicare Savings Programs State Medicaid Office Medicare.gov/contacts
(Find your state office)

🎯 Remember: The Most Important Thing

Don't let the complexity overwhelm you. The most important thing is to not miss your Initial Enrollment Period without a qualifying reason. Even if you make a mistake in plan selection, you can usually fix that later. But late enrollment penalties last forever.

When in doubt, enroll. It's better to have Medicare and not need it than to need it and face penalties for not having it.

Chapter Medicare — Licensed Medicare Advisors

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