How Do You Enroll in Medicare?

When Can You Enroll?

There are several enrollment periods for Medicare, and understanding them is important to avoid late enrollment penalties:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

This is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after. This is the ideal time to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or vice versa), or change your Part D prescription drug plan. Changes take effect January 1.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

Runs from January 1 through March 31. If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or drop your Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare during this window.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you experience a qualifying life event — such as moving, losing employer coverage, or other specific circumstances — you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that allows you to make changes outside of the standard enrollment windows.

How to Sign Up for Medicare

There are several ways to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B:

1. Online — Visit SSA.gov and apply through the Social Security Administration website
2. By Phone — Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
3. In Person — Visit your local Social Security office
4. Automatic Enrollment — If you're already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you'll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B

What Information You'll Need

When enrolling in Medicare, you should have the following information ready:

• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Citizenship or residency information
• Current or former employer information (if applicable)
• Current health insurance details (if any)

After Enrolling in Parts A & B

Once you're enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you have additional decisions to make:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) — Replace Original Medicare with a private plan that bundles coverage. Learn more.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) — Add to Original Medicare to cover gaps. The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. Learn more.
• Part D Drug Plan — Add prescription drug coverage if not included in your chosen plan.

Avoid Late Enrollment Penalties

If you don't sign up for Medicare when you're first eligible and don't have qualifying coverage (such as employer-based health insurance), you may face permanent late enrollment penalties:

• Part B penalty — 10% added to your premium for each 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't sign up
• Part D penalty — 1% of the national base premium added for each month you went without creditable drug coverage

These penalties last for as long as you have Medicare, so enrolling on time is important.

Need Help Enrolling?

Navigating Medicare enrollment can feel complicated, but you don't have to do it alone. Our licensed agents in Southern Utah can walk you through every step and help you choose the right plan for your needs.