Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and for some younger people with certain disabilities. Signing up at the right time matters, because some late sign-ups carry a penalty that lasts for life.
Key points
- Most people can get Medicare at 65.
- Your first sign-up window lasts 7 months. It starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after it.
- If you miss it and have no other qualifying coverage, the Part B premium goes up 10% for each full 12 months you waited, for as long as you have Part B.
- Free, unbiased help is available in every state from your SHIP office.
The parts of Medicare, in plain words
| Part | What it covers | Who runs it |
|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital insurance | Hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care after a hospital stay, hospice, some home health care | Federal government (Original Medicare) |
| Part B Medical insurance | Doctor visits, outpatient care, lab tests, medical equipment, many preventive services | Federal government (Original Medicare) |
| Part C Medicare Advantage | An alternative to Original Medicare. It bundles Parts A and B, and usually Part D, often with extra benefits. Plans use provider networks. | Private insurance companies approved by Medicare |
| Part D Drug coverage | Prescription drugs | Private insurance companies approved by Medicare |
Many people with Original Medicare (Parts A and B) also buy a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy from a private insurer to help pay deductibles and coinsurance.
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care, eye exams for glasses, hearing aids, or long-term custodial care such as help with bathing and dressing. Plan for these costs separately.
When to sign up
If you already get Social Security
You are usually enrolled in Parts A and B automatically when you turn 65. Your Medicare card arrives in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday.
If you don't get Social Security yet
You need to sign up yourself, through the Social Security Administration (ssa.gov/medicare), during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period:
| Example: you turn 65 in June | Window |
|---|---|
| Window opens | March 1 |
| Your birthday month | June |
| Window closes | September 30 |
Signing up in the 3 months before your birthday month means coverage can start the month you turn 65, with no gap.
If you are still working at 65
If you (or your spouse) are still working and have health coverage through that job, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty. When the job or the coverage ends, you get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up.
Be careful: COBRA and retiree health plans do not count as coverage from current work. If you rely on them past 65 without signing up for Part B, you can face a late penalty and a gap in coverage. Check with your employer and with Medicare before you delay.
What Medicare costs
- Part A: most people pay no premium, because they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
- Part B: the standard premium in 2026 is $202.90 a month, with a yearly deductible of $283. People with higher incomes pay more. The 2027 amounts are usually announced in the fall, and we will update this guide when they are published.
- Part C and Part D: premiums and costs depend on the plan you choose.
If your income and savings are limited, ask about Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help, which can lower premiums and drug costs.
Important dates every year
| Dates | What you can do |
|---|---|
| October 15 to December 7 | Open Enrollment: switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change Part D or Medicare Advantage plans. Changes start January 1. |
| January 1 to March 31 | Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: if you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another one or go back to Original Medicare. |
About Medigap timing
Your best time to buy a Medigap policy is your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. It starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this time, insurers generally cannot turn you down or charge you more because of your health. After it ends, they may be able to.
Watch out for scams. Medicare will not call you to sell a plan, ask for your Medicare number to "renew" or "upgrade" your card, or ask for payment over the phone. If in doubt, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Free, unbiased help
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or medicare.gov
- Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): free one-on-one counseling. Find yours at shiphelp.org
- Social Security: for signing up for Parts A and B, 1-800-772-1213
This website does not sell Medicare plans or insurance, and no one from this site will call you.
Sources
Educational information only. This guide is not financial, legal, tax or medical advice. GrandsGaro is a private website and is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the IRS or any government agency. For decisions about your own benefits, check the official sources linked on this page.