Turning 65: Your Medicare Enrollment Roadmap
By the Silverpoint Insurance advisory team · Updated September 23, 2026
The short answer
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window that starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. Signing up for Part B and Part D during this window, unless you have other qualifying coverage, helps you avoid lifelong late-enrollment penalties.
When should I sign up for Medicare?
Most people should enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period — the three months before, the month of, and the three months after their 65th birthday month. Enrolling in the months before your birthday lets coverage start the first day of your birthday month.
- Already receiving Social Security? You're usually enrolled in Parts A and B automatically
- Still working with employer coverage? You may be able to delay Part B without penalty
- Enroll through Social Security online, by phone, or at a local office
Which enrollment periods matter after that?
After your first window, changes generally happen during set periods. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31, and Special Enrollment Periods open after qualifying events like moving or losing coverage.
How do I avoid Medicare late penalties?
The Part B penalty can add 10% to your premium for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't. The Part D penalty adds 1% of the national base premium for each month without creditable drug coverage. Both usually last as long as you have Medicare.
What coverage choices will I need to make?
You'll choose between Original Medicare (often paired with a Medigap supplement and a Part D drug plan) or a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles coverage. Compare your doctors, prescriptions, budget and travel habits before deciding.
Key Medicare enrollment windows
| Period | When | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period | 3 months before to 3 months after your 65th birthday month | Enroll in Parts A, B, D or Medicare Advantage |
| Medigap Open Enrollment | 6 months starting when you're 65+ and have Part B | Buy any Medigap policy sold in your state without health questions |
| Annual Enrollment Period | October 15 – December 7 | Switch, join or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | January 1 – March 31 | Switch Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare once |
| Special Enrollment Period | After a qualifying life event | Make changes outside the usual windows |
Learn more about our Medicare guidance or browse all guides.
Frequently asked
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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
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