TL;DR
Turning 65 opens your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): the three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the three months after. If you're already collecting Social Security, Parts A and B enroll automatically. Everyone else must actively sign up. Missing the window can create lifetime late-enrollment penalties.
Your Initial Enrollment Period
Your IEP is a 7-month window built around your 65th birthday. It starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. Enrolling during the first three months means coverage begins the month you turn 65.
Automatic vs manual enrollment
If you're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65, you'll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. Your red, white, and blue card arrives about three months before your birthday.
If you have not started Social Security, nothing is automatic. You must actively enroll through the Social Security Administration — online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person.
Late enrollment penalties are permanent
Missing your IEP without qualifying creditable coverage can add 10% to your Part B premium for every 12 months you delay — for the rest of your life. Part D has a smaller but similarly permanent penalty. If you have employer coverage, verify it counts as creditable before delaying.
Still working at 65?
If you or your spouse are still working and covered by a large-employer group health plan, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty and enroll later using a Special Enrollment Period. COBRA and retiree coverage do not count as creditable — this trips people up every year.
What to do six months before 65
- Confirm your Social Security status and how you'll enroll.
- Check whether your current insurance qualifies as creditable coverage.
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions.
- Schedule a free consultation so you have a plan ready for your birthday month.
