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).