As 2025 draws near, millions of Americans who are getting close to retirement age are getting ready to sign up for Medicare. Medicare is a government health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as people with certain disabilities or serious illnesses.
To avoid expensive late fees and possible service gaps, it’s important to know when and how to sign up. If you miss a date, you could be punished for life, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Who Can Apply?
Most people can start getting Medicare when they turn 65. If you already get Social Security, Medicare Parts A and B (hospital insurance and medical insurance, respectively) will be added to your benefits immediately.
You can put off Part B without being penalized, though, if you’re still working and have health insurance through your job. But after your employer coverage stops, you’ll have to sign up during a certain time frame to avoid fees.
Signing up
There are three main times to sign up for Medicare. If you miss any of them, there are different rules and effects.
First Period of Enrollment (IEP)
This is your first chance to sign up for Medicare. It lasts for seven months:
- Three months before you turn 65
- The month you turn 65
- Three months after you turn 65
By enrolling at this time, you can be sure that your coverage will go smoothly and avoid late fees.
Special Period for Signing Up (SEP)
You can get a SEP if you or your partner are still working and have health insurance through your job. This lets you join Medicare without being fined:
- While covered by the workplace plan, at any time
- Within eight months of losing coverage through a job
The general enrollment period, or GEP,
You can still sign up from January 1 to March 31 every year if you miss both the IEP and the SEP. But if you sign up during this time, you’ll be charged late fees forever, which will make your monthly rates go up.
Before age 65
Most people can get Medicare when they turn 65, but some people under 65 can sign up if they have certain physical conditions:
- People who get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (after getting payments for 24 months)
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) people (automatic enrollment in Medicare)
- People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who need dialysis or a kidney transplant
Under certain conditions, spouses, children who rely on the worker, and the workers’ dependent children may also be eligible.
Costs
| Medicare Part | Coverage | Cost (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Hospital insurance | Free (if you worked 10+ years); up to $518/month otherwise |
| Part B | Doctor visits & outpatient care | Standard $185/month (higher for high-income earners) |
Those with higher incomes may be required to pay additional surcharges under IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts).
Next
If you’re getting close to 65, make a note of the date and sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period to escape penalties for life.
If you still have a job, talk to your HR staff about when the best time is for you to enroll.
If you are under 65 and have a qualifying disability, check your status early to make sure you get coverage on time.
Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) for more information or to make sure you are eligible.