For most people, the first chance to sign up occurs in the year they turn 65. The first sign-up period lasts seven months before and after a person’s birth month. If you were born in May, for example, the period would run from February to August.
If you don’t sign up during your first eligible period, you can enroll later during Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from January 1 to March 31. Late enrollment could mean you pay a higher premium, so be sure you’ve considered your options carefully.
The situation changes if you want Medicare Supplement or Medicare Part D insurance, or choose a Medicare Advantage Plan. You will need to sign up for those through a private insurer.
Contact Save-On Health Insurance Services, in Los Angeles, California, and help you with all of your retirement insurance needs. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us.