Do I need to sign up for Medicare?

Do I Need to Sign Up for Medicare When I Turn 65?

Turning 65 is a milestone — and for many people, it comes with an important question:

Do I need to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65?

The short answer is yes, most people do — but there are a few important exceptions. Understanding the timing and rules can help you avoid late penalties, coverage gaps, and unnecessary stress.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Happens When You Turn 65?

When you turn 65, you become eligible for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for older adults and certain individuals with disabilities.

You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to sign up:

• 3 months before your birthday month

• Your birthday month

• 3 months after

This enrollment window is critical. Missing it can result in lifetime late-enrollment penalties and delays in coverage.

Do Most People Need to Enroll at 65?

Yes — most people should enroll in Medicare at 65, especially if they do not have employer coverage.

At minimum, many people enroll in:

• Medicare Part A (hospital coverage)

• Medicare Part B (medical coverage)

Even if you’re healthy, enrolling on time protects you from penalties and ensures you have coverage when you need it.

When Can You Delay Medicare?

You may be able to delay certain parts of Medicare without penalties if both of the following are true:

• You are still working

• You have health insurance through an employer with 20 or more employees

In this case, you may be able to delay Part B (and sometimes Part D) until you retire or lose employer coverage.

⚠️ Important: COBRA, retiree plans, or individual marketplace plans do not count as employer coverage for Medicare delay purposes.

What Happens If You Miss Your Enrollment Window?

If you don’t enroll when required, you could face:

• Late enrollment penalties that last for life

• Gaps in coverage until the next enrollment period

• Higher healthcare costs than necessary

This is why timing and personalized guidance matter.

Medicare Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Everyone’s situation is different:

• Still working vs. retired

• Employer coverage vs. no coverage

• Prescription needs, doctors, travel plans, and budget

Understanding whether you should enroll — and which parts you need — is where many people feel overwhelmed.

That’s completely normal.

Get Help Before You Turn 65

The best time to talk about Medicare is before your 65th birthday — not after. A quick conversation can help you:

• Avoid penalties

• Choose the right coverage

• Feel confident about your decision

If you’re approaching 65 or helping a loved one navigate Medicare, we’re here to help make it simple and stress-free.

Final Thought

Turning 65 is an exciting milestone — and Medicare doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right guidance, you can make informed choices and move into this next chapter with confidence.