At What Age Does Medicare Start?

Medicare coverage starts at age 65 for the majority of Medicare beneficiaries. You are first eligible to sign up for Medicare 3 months before you turn 65.

Individuals under 65 receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for the past 24 months should be automatically enrolled in Medicare on their 25th month. Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are eligible before age 65 if they need kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant.

There is no monthly premium for Medicare Part A if you have worked for at least ten years or 40 quarters while paying Medicare taxes. If you don’t meet these requirements, you may have to pay a monthly premium to receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance).

Does Medicare Start On Your Birthday?

No, for most Medicare recipients, Original Medicare will begin on the 1st of the month of their 65th birthday.

The initial enrollment period (IEP) is seven months, starting three months before your 65th birthday, which includes your birthday month, and ends three months after the month you turn 65.

This is when most people are encouraged to enroll in Medicare.

• If you enroll during the three months before your birth month, your Medicare will begin on the 1st of your birth Month.
• If you enroll during your birth month or the three months after, your Medicare effective date will be the 1st of the month following your enrollment.

When Does Medicare Start If I Miss My Initial Enrollment Period?

If you missed your initial enrollment period, there is a General Enrollment Period from January 1st through March 31st each year.

Coverage will start on July 1st of that same year, and you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for Part B if you did not have coverage as soon as you were eligible. Under certain circumstances, you might also qualify for a special enrollment period.

When Does Medicare Start If I'm Still Working?

If you’re about to turn 65 and still working, you can delay enrolling in Medicare if your employer offers you healthcare benefits equal to those of Medicare.

This is called an employer-sponsored health insurance plan. You won’t be penalized for delaying enrollment as long as the employer-sponsored plan continues to provide you with the same benefits as Medicare.

After you stop working, you’ll have eight months to enroll, and your Medicare health coverage will begin on the first day of the month after Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board receives your enrollment forms.

When Can I Begin Using Medicare?

Once your Medicare coverage begins, you’ll be able to use it right away. You can use your Medicare insurance for medical care and services provided by physicians who accept assignments under Medicare’s fee schedule.

Additional costs may be associated with certain services or procedures not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

Can You Backdate Your Medicare Start Date?

You may be able to backdate your Medicare start date up to 6 months before your enrollment date, but only if it doesn’t exceed the month you became eligible for Medicare.

To backdate your start date, you must provide proof that the service was provided before your enrollment date and apply within six months of enrolling in Medicare. Your doctor or other healthcare provider may also have to certify that the service was medically necessary before enrollment.

When Should I Sign Up For Medicare?

Knowing your options and the deadlines for signing up for Medicare is important. It’s best to enroll during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period.

That period begins three months before your 65th birthday month and ends three months after. You can also enroll during the General Enrollment Period from January 1st through March 31st of each year.

Bottom Line

Medicare begins at age 65 for most people or earlier for individuals with specific disabilities.

You can sign up during the Initial Enrollment Period when you’re three months away from turning 65. If you miss this window, you can still enroll during the General Enrollment Period. Know your options and deadlines before signing up for Medicare coverage.

FAQ's

• Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?

  Yes. If you reach the age of 65 and are receiving benefits, Medicare Parts A and B will be automatically enrolled by the Social Security Administration.

• Is Medicare free?

  There is no monthly Premium for Medicare Part A if you have worked for at least ten years or 40 quarters while paying Medicare taxes. If you didn’t work the ten years required to qualify for free Medicare Part A, you can still get it if you’re married to someone who did. If your spouse worked those ten years while you did not, you can qualify for free Part A if you are at least 62 and your spouse is at least 65. If you don’t meet these requirements, you may have to pay a monthly premium to receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). Your Medicare Part B premium is based on income.

• When does Medicare start for those with qualifying disabilities?

  If you have received disability benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for the past 24 months and are under 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare on your 25th month.