When will my coverage start?

If you sign up for 

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

 and/or 

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

 during the first 3 months of your Initial Enrollment Period, your coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on the first day of the month, your coverage starts the first day of the prior month.

Example

Mr. Green's 65th birthday is July 20, 2020. If he signs up for Medicare in April, May, or June, his coverage will start on July 1, 2020.

Example

Mr. Kim's 65th birthday is July 1, 2020. If he signs up for Medicare in March, April, or May, his coverage will start on June 1, 2020.

Note

You can sign up for free Part A (if you’re eligible) any time during or after your Initial Enrollment Period starts. If you sign up within 6 months of your 65th birthday, your coverage will start at one of these times:

  • The first day of the month you turn 65
  • The month before you turn 65 (if your birthday is the first of the month)

After that, your coverage start date will go back (retroactively) 6 months from when you sign up.

 

When will my Medicare coverage start?

If you sign up for Part A (if you have to buy it) and/or Part B in this month: Your coverage starts:
The month you turn 65 1 month after you sign up
1 month after you turn 65 2 months after you sign up
2 months after you turn 65 3 months after you sign up
3 months after you turn 65 3 months after you sign up
During the January 1–March 31 General Enrollment Period July 1