If you are already getting Social Security benefits then you will be signed up automatically for your Medicare A & B. You don’t have to do anything. Your Red White and Blue Medicare card will be sent to you approximately 3 months prior to your 65th birthday month. Coverage begins the first day of the month you turn 65. If you were born on the 1st of the month, then coverage is effective the 1st day of the month prior to your birthday month. If you are not getting SS benefits yet, then you’ll need to sign up for Medicare. It’s a 7 month window that begins 3 months prior to your 65 birthday month, the month of your birthday, and 3 months after. That’s your Initial Enrollment window and if you miss it, then you could end up paying a penalty and losing out on coverage for some time.
When do I need to sign up for Medicare?
