When can I sign up for Medicare?
Enter your birthday to see exactly when you can enroll in each part of Medicare — and when your coverage would begin.
Your birthday
If you were born in July 1961, you turn 65 in July 2026. This is your Initial Enrollment Period — the first window when you can sign up.
Initial Enrollment Period: turning 65
Your one-time window to enroll when you first become eligible. It differs slightly for Original Medicare and for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.
Original Medicare · Advantage · Part D
Parts A, B, C & D
- Part A — Hospital insurance
- Part B — Medical insurance & doctor visits
- Part C — Medicare Advantage (A, B & often D bundled)
- Part D — Prescription drug coverage
Medicare Supplement
Medigap plans
- Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment window
- Carriers can't deny you or charge more for health history
- Starts the month you're 65 and enrolled in Part B
Sign up early
You can sign up for Medicare starting 3 months before your 65th birthday month, through 3 months after.
Extra time for Medigap
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period runs for 6 months, starting your 65th birthday month.
When will my coverage start? If you sign up before your 65th birthday month, coverage can begin as early as the first day of that month — July 1, 2026.
Other times you can enroll or switch
After your Initial Enrollment Period, these are the windows when you can change your Medicare coverage.
Annual Election Period (AEP)
Change your plan each year
October 15 – December 7Each year during AEP you can adjust your Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage. AEP does not apply to Medigap plans.
- Switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan (either direction)
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan
New coverage begins January 1.
Medicare Advantage OEP
Adjust your Advantage plan
January 1 – March 31If you're not satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage plan, you can make a one-time change:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage)
- Return to Original Medicare and add a Part D prescription drug plan
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Still covered by an employer
If you have health insurance through a current employer, you can keep it and sign up for Medicare later during a Special Enrollment Period — with no late penalty.
Note: COBRA does not count as an employer plan and does not grant a Special Enrollment Period.
General Enrollment Period
Missed your Initial Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can still sign up for Part A and Part B here.
Coverage begins July 1. A late-enrollment penalty may apply as higher Part A or Part B premiums.
Frequently asked questions
When exactly does my Medicare coverage start?
If you sign up during the three months before your 65th birthday month, coverage begins the first day of your birthday month. If you sign up during or after your birthday month, coverage generally starts the first day of the month after you enroll.
What if I keep working past 65?
If you have qualifying health coverage through a current employer, you can delay Part B without penalty and enroll later during a Special Enrollment Period. COBRA and retiree coverage do not count as current employer coverage.
Will I pay a penalty for signing up late?
Possibly. If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may owe a lifetime late-enrollment penalty added to your Part A, Part B, or Part D premiums.
Is the Medigap window different from the Medicare window?
Yes. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a separate 6-month window that begins the month you're 65 and enrolled in Part B. During it, carriers can't deny coverage or charge more based on your health.