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      • Important Dates
    • Request a Call
  • Health & Wellness
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      • 24-Hour Nurse Line
      • Find a Doctor
      • ER Alternatives
      • Care Management
      • Member Support & Assistance Program
        • In-home Care from Landmark Health
        • In-home Assessments for Chronically Ill Members
        • Enhanced Disease Management
        • Additional Programs
      • Mental Health
    • Manage Your Health
      • Preventive Care
      • Flu Prevention
      • Chronic Care
      • Fall Prevention
      • Urinary Incontinence
      • Meals and Nutrition
  • Member Resources
    • Plan Information
      • Plan Documents
      • Quality Assurance
      • National Coverage Determination
      • Ending Membership
    • Pharmacy Benefits
      • Drug Benefits
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        • Formulary Overview
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        • Formulary Changes
      • Medicare Advantage Pharmacy Network
      • Plan Drug Transition Policy
      • Medication Therapy Management
      • Prescription Drug Utilization Review
    • Review Medical Claims
    • Discounts & Programs
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Intro to Medicare

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of signing up at 65?

Unless you or your spouse are still working, if you don't sign up for Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, you may only be able to sign up during the General Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period (if you qualify).

The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 of each year. You may also have to pay a penalty for your Part B premium if you don't sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, so that's why signing up at 65 can be a smart move for your health—and your wallet.

Is there a penalty if I delay my enrollment?

Your monthly premium will permanently increase 10% for each 12-month period you could have enrolled but did not. This would mean you decided not to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period (if you qualify). However, if you get insurance through your job or your spouse's, then you don't have to pay the penalty.

Late Enrollment Penalty

10% increase for each 12-month period.

What if I’m still working?

If you are covered by a group health plan under your own or through your spouse's current employer, you may be able to delay signing up for Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period and enroll later during a Special Enrollment Period. To find out the best time for you to enroll in Part B, call Social Security or your benefits administrator.

You may sign up for Part B any time while you are covered by a group health plan:

  • Based on your own or your spouse's current employment
  • During the eight-month period following the last month of employment
  • Or coverage by the health plan, whichever occurs first

People who sign up for Part B during the Special Enrollment Period usually don't pay a penalty.

You may want to enroll in premium-free Part A when you turn age 65, but wait to sign up for Part B (since you will have to start paying premiums). To find out the best time for you to enroll in Part B, call Social Security or your benefits administrator.

Does the full retirement age affect how I pay my Medicare Part B premium?

If you are getting Social Security benefits, the Part B premium is taken out of your monthly Social Security payment. If you don't get full Social Security benefits yet, Medicare will send you a bill for your Part B premium every three months. If you don't get your bill by the 10th of the month, call Social Security anytime, 24 hours a day at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an HMO and PPO Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts depends on contract renewal. Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont are the legal entities that have contracted as a joint enterprise with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and are the risk-bearing entities for Blue MedicareRx (PDP) plans. The joint enterprise is a Medicare-approved Part D Sponsor. Enrollment in Blue MedicareRx (PDP) depends on contract renewal.

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