When do I sign up for Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is 7 months long: the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Enrolling before your birthday month means coverage starts on the first of your birthday month.

Do I have to sign up if I have employer coverage?

If you or your spouse are actively working and have creditable employer group coverage (20+ employees), you can delay Part B without penalty. You'll get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period after coverage ends.

What happens if I don't sign up on time?

Part B has a 10% late enrollment penalty for every 12 months you delay without creditable coverage — added to your monthly premium for life. Part D has a similar 1% per month penalty.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement?

Advantage (Part C) bundles A, B, D plus extras like dental/vision into one private plan — often with $0 premium but network restrictions. Supplement (Medigap) pairs with Original Medicare, covers deductibles and coinsurance, and lets you see any doctor that accepts Medicare.

Medicare · Updated for 2026

Turning 65? Here's your complete Medicare checklist.

You've got a 7-month window to enroll without penalty. We'll walk you through Parts A, B, C, and D — and help you pick the right combo for your doctors, drugs, and budget. Free, licensed, no pressure.

Talk to a licensed advisor Skip to checklist Browse plans yourself

7 months

Your Initial Enrollment Period

$185/mo

2026 Part B standard premium

10% / yr

Late penalty if you delay (lifetime)

Cost to work with us

Timing

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The 7-month window that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month.

Example: If you turn 65 in September 2026, your IEP runs June 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.

Enroll before your birthday month → coverage starts the first of your birthday month
Enroll during your birthday month → coverage starts the first of the next month
Enroll after your birthday month → coverage can be delayed up to 3 months

Still working? If you or your spouse have active creditable employer coverage (20+ employees), you may delay Part B without penalty. You'll get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period after coverage ends.

Find your exact IEP window

Enter your date of birth — we'll show you the 3 months before, your birthday month, and the 3 months after, plus when your coverage can start.

Your date of birth

Your IEP window

The checklist

What to sign up for, and when

1. Medicare Part A (Hospital)

Most people qualify for premium-free Part A based on work history (40 quarters). Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice.

Action: Enroll automatically if already on Social Security, or sign up via ssa.gov during your IEP.

2. Medicare Part B (Medical)

Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services. 2026 premium: $185/mo (higher if high-income).

Action: Enroll during IEP unless you have creditable employer coverage. 10% penalty per year of delay without coverage.

3. Choose: Advantage or Supplement

Medicare Advantage (Part C): Private plan that bundles A, B, D + extras (dental, vision, hearing). Often $0 premium. Network restrictions apply.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Pairs with Original Medicare. Covers deductibles/coinsurance. Any doctor that accepts Medicare. Higher premium ($100–$250/mo).

Action: Compare both options for your ZIP. This is the decision we help with most.

4. Part D (Prescription Drugs)

If you chose Medigap, you need a standalone Part D plan. If you chose Medicare Advantage with drug coverage (MA-PD), it's already included.

Action: We'll run your medication list against every Part D plan in your ZIP to find the lowest-total-cost match.

Common questions

Frequently asked

Do I have to sign up for Medicare if I'm still working?

If your employer has 20+ employees and your group coverage is creditable, you can delay Part B without penalty. When you leave, you get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period. If your employer has <20 employees, Medicare becomes primary and you should enroll on time.

What's the late enrollment penalty?

Part B: 10% added to your premium for every 12-month period you could have been enrolled — for life. Part D: 1% per month you go without creditable drug coverage — also for life.

Can I switch from Advantage to Medigap later?

Yes, during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31) or Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7). But Medigap carriers can use medical underwriting after your 6-month Open Enrollment window, so switches can be harder later.

How much does a SilverEdge advisor cost?

Nothing. Insurance carriers pay us a commission when you enroll. Our job is to find your best plan, not theirs — we earn the same regardless of which plan you pick.

★★★★★

"I turned 65 in March and had no idea where to start. SilverEdge mapped my IEP, ran a Part D check on my four prescriptions, and found me a Medicare Advantage plan that kept my cardiologist in-network. The whole call took 22 minutes."

Robert T.

Turned 65 last AEP · Sarasota, FL

Ready to walk through it with an advisor?

Free, no pressure. Licensed in all 50 states. We'll review your doctors, drugs, and budget — and show you the right Medicare combo.

(866) 534-1886 Request a callback