Turning 65 and Medicare
Your 7-month window
Turning 65 and Medicare — your calm timeline.
A short, plain timeline so you do not miss enrollment windows or trigger a permanent penalty.
Your 7-month window
Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months: the 3 months before you turn 65, your birth month, and the 3 months after. Outside this window you may face a permanent Part B and Part D late penalty.
Step by step
1
About 6 months before 65
Check whether you are already on Social Security (auto-enroll situation).
2
4 months before
Decide whether to take Part B now or delay because of employer coverage.
3
3 months before
Enroll in Part A and Part B if needed. Decide between Advantage vs. Original + Medigap + Part D.