Medicare enrollment date calculator

Example 1: Born March 15, 1962, not getting Social Security yet

• Turns 65 in March 2027.
• First chance to sign up: December 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
• Sign up in December, January, or February, and Part B starts March 1, 2027. Sign up in March, and it starts April 1. Sign up in June (the last month), and it starts July 1.
• Part A (premium-free) starts March 1, 2027.
• Medigap window (if Part B starts March 1): March 1 to August 31, 2027.
• Because no benefits are coming in yet, they sign up through Social Security.

Example 2: Born July 1, 1962 (birthday on the 1st)

• Medicare counts them as turning 65 on June 30, 2027, so their dates start one month early.
• First chance to sign up: March 1 to September 30, 2027 (not April to October).
• Sign up in March, April, or May, and Part B starts June 1, 2027. Sign up in June, and it starts July 1.
• Part A (premium-free) starts June 1, 2027.
• Medigap: if Part B starts June 1, 2027, the window is June 1 to November 30, 2027 by Medicare's count. To be safe, apply by November 30, 2027.

Example 3: Born March 15, 1961, covered by a spouse's job plan until June 2028

• Their first window (December 2025 to June 2026) has passed. That's OK, because they have coverage from a spouse's current job.
• They can sign up for Part B any time while covered, and through February 28, 2029 (8 months after the coverage ends).
• To avoid a gap, they sign up in June 2028 and ask for Part B to start July 1, 2028. (Signing up in June, they could pick June 1, July 1, August 1, or September 1.)
• They can join a Medicare Advantage or drug plan from April 1 to September 30, 2028 (if Part B starts July 1), or until at least August 31, 2028 under the job-coverage rule.
• Their Medigap window would be July 1 to December 31, 2028.
• COBRA wouldn't change their Part B dates. If they kept COBRA, their window to join a Medicare Advantage or drug plan would run until 2 months after COBRA ends.

When can I sign up for Medicare?

Most people can first sign up during a 7-month window around their 65th birthday. It starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes that month, and ends 3 months after. If your birthday is on the 1st, the window starts a month earlier, because Medicare counts you as 65 the day before your birthday. (Sources: 42 CFR 407.14 (eCFR, current as of Oct 15, 2026); 20 CFR 404.2(c)(4) (eCFR, current as of Oct 15, 2026); Medicare.gov (checked Oct 19, 2026))

Can I get Medicare at 62?

Usually not. Medicare based on age starts at 65, even if you start Social Security at 62. Some people get Medicare earlier: for example, after getting Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, or with ALS or kidney failure. (Sources: Medicare.gov "How do I sign up for Medicare?" (checked Oct 19, 2026); SSA "Sign up for Medicare" (checked Oct 19, 2026))

What is the first step to sign up for Medicare?

If you already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you'll usually be signed up for Part A and Part B automatically, and your card comes in the mail. If not, you sign up through Social Security. You can apply online at ssa.gov. (Sources: Medicare.gov "How do I sign up for Medicare?" (checked Oct 19, 2026); SSA "Sign up for Medicare" (checked Oct 19, 2026))

Do I have to sign up for Medicare at 65 if I'm still working?

Not always. If you or your spouse have health coverage from a current job, you can often wait on Part B. You can sign up any time while you're still covered, or during the 8 months after the job or the coverage ends (whichever comes first), without a penalty. COBRA and retiree coverage don't count. If the employer has fewer than 20 workers, ask the benefits office first. (Sources: 42 CFR 406.24(b) (eCFR, current as of Oct 15, 2026); SSA POMS HI 00805.275 A (checked Oct 19, 2026); Medicare.gov (checked Oct 19, 2026))

What happens if I miss my sign-up window?

You can still sign up from January 1 to March 31 each year, and Part B starts the 1st of the month after you sign up. You may also have to pay a late enrollment penalty. Months when you had health coverage from your or your spouse's current job generally aren't counted toward it. Social Security decides whether a penalty applies. (Sources: 42 CFR 407.15, 407.25(b)(3) (eCFR, current as of Oct 15, 2026); SSA POMS HI 00805.280 (checked Oct 19, 2026); Medicare.gov "Avoid late enrollment penalties" (checked Oct 19, 2026))