Enrolling in Medicare Part B

Enrolling in Part B (medical coverage) is your choice. You can sign up for Part B anytime during a seven-month period that begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare with no need to apply. You also have a similar seven-month initial enrollment period to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, other Medicare plan, or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

If you did not choose Part B when you were first eligible at age 65, you may sign up during a General Enrollment Period (GEP). This period runs from January 1 through March 31 of each year, with coverage effective July 1 of that year. However, the cost of Part B will go up 10% for each 12-month period that you could have had Part B but did not take it, except in special cases. In most cases, you will have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B.

If you didn’t take Part B when you were first eligible because you or your spouse was working and you had group health coverage through your or your spouse’s employer or union, you can sign up for Part B during a Special Enrollment Period. People who sign up for Part B during a Special Enrollment Period do not pay higher premiums. You can sign up:

•          Any time you are still covered by the employer or union group health plan through your or your spouse’s current or active employment OR

•          During the 8 months following the month when the employer or union group health plan coverage ends, or when the employment ends (whichever is first)

Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if you have questions about the date to enroll or the amount of your premiums. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778. If you will be getting benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, call your local RRB office or 1-800-808-0772.