when do you apply for medicare

You generally apply for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65 — a total of 7 months. For example, if your 65th birthday is in June, your enrollment period will be from March 1 through September 30. If you enroll during one of the 3 months before you turn 65, your coverage begins the first day of the month you turn 65. If you enroll during the month you turn 65 or the 3 months after, coverage begins the first day of the month after you enroll. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, otherwise, you need to apply. If you miss this period, you may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 of each year to apply, and you could face late enrollment penalties. Special Enrollment Periods exist if you or your spouse continue working past 65 and have employer health coverage. In that case, you generally have an 8-month window to sign up once the employment or coverage ends.