Services
Medicare guidance
Enrollment timing, coverage paths, and the plan-specific details that matter.
When enrollment happens
The Initial Enrollment Period generally begins three months before the month a person turns 65 and runs for seven months. If a birthday falls on the first day of a month, Medicare treats the person as turning 65 in the previous month, which shifts the window one month earlier.
People with employer coverage at 65 may be able to delay Part B without a late-enrollment penalty, depending on the size and type of the employer plan. That is worth confirming in writing with the plan administrator before the birthday month.
Two coverage paths
Medicare Advantage is a private-plan alternative for receiving Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. A person remains enrolled in Medicare and must generally continue paying the Part B premium. The other path keeps Original Medicare and adds a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, usually with a separate Part D prescription plan.
- A $0 plan premium does not mean Medicare coverage has no cost — the Part B premium generally continues, and plans have deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
- Networks vary by plan, and so do referral requirements and prior-authorization rules.
- Prescription coverage varies by plan and by drug list.
- Benefits, costs, and drug lists can change annually.
- Medigap availability and underwriting depend on enrollment rights and state law.
Annual review
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year. Plan documents for the coming year are the authoritative source for costs and coverage. Medicare.gov and your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provide free, neutral help.