Your coverage start date depends on your birthday if both of these apply:
- You sign up for
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/orMedicare Part B (Medical Insurance) . - You sign up during the first 3 months of your Initial Enrollment Period.
Your coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65, unless your birthday is on the first day of the month.
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.
Example
Mr. Green's 65th birthday is July 20, 2019. If he signs up for Medicare in April, May, or June, his coverage will start on July 1, 2019.
If your birthday is on the first day of the month, your coverage starts the first day of the prior month.
Example
Mr. Kim's 65th birthday is July 1, 2019. If he signs up for Medicare in March, April, or May, his coverage will start on June 1, 2019.
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 |