FAQ about Medicare

You are first eligible to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Window.  This window opens three months before the month you turn 65 and closes 3 months after that month.  If you are currently receiving Social Security payments, you will typically be signed up for Medicare automatically.

If you missed your initial window to enroll, you may enroll during the General Enrollment Window from January 1 to March 31, although this may result in late enrollment penalties.

If you are still working and covered by your employers coverage at the age of 65, you normally do not need to enroll for Medicare.  By having creditable employer coverage, you typically avoid late enrollment penalties.

An exception to this occurs if you work for an employer with less than 20 employees. In this case, Medicare usually becomes the primary coverage.  Therefore, it is important to start considering signing up for Medicare in the months prior to turning 65.

Most individuals qualify for Medicare Part A or hospital coverage at no-cost, if they or their spouse worked and paid taxes for more than 10 years. Part B or medical coverage has a standard monthly premium for all Medicare beneficiaries. For 2026, the premium for Part B is $202.90 per month. This premium can also vary, depending on your income.  Late enrollment penalties may also be tacked on for Part B and or Part D (drug coverage) if you enrolled late.

Original Medicare Part A and Part B do not include outpatient drug coverage.  You are required to have prescription drug coverage and you can sign up for a standalone prescription drug (Part D) plan.  Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage (Part D) in the bundle.