STARTING MEDICARE
When does Medicare Start?
Medicare starts the 1st day of the month you turn 65. So if your birthday is June 20th, your Medicare starts June 1st.
Unless your birthday is the 1st of the month. Then it starts the 1st day of the month before your birthday. So if your birthday is June 1st, your Medicare starts May 1st.
Do I have to enroll in Medicare?
Receiving Social Security Benefits
If you are receiving your Social Security benefits then you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare A & B. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail from Health & Human services about 3.5 months before your birthday month.
Not Receiving
Social Security Benefits
You need to enroll in Medicare assuming you want to start at age 65. You can complete the enrollment for Medicare once you are within 3 months of your 65th birthday.
How to Complete Enrollment:
Call Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
Monday – Friday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call:
TTY 1-800-325-0778
Delay Medicare
Still working or have coverage through your spouse?
You may be able to delay Medicare penalty free. There is specific criteria you need to meet. It may be useful to enroll in Medicare Part A.
