Will I be automatically enrolled in Medicare?

If you are receiving Social Security benefits at least four months before your 65th birthday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you a letter three months prior to your birthday. This letter will notify you that your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage will begin on the first day of your 65th birth month. If your birthday falls on the 1st of the month, SSA will enroll you in Medicare on the 1st day of the previous month.

If you are not receiving Social Security benefits by this time, you will not be automatically enrolled in Medicare and will not receive a notification from SSA. In this case, you must take the initiative to enroll in Medicare yourself, if necessary. All enrollment requirements and penalties will still apply.

In some situations, it may be best not to enroll in Medicare, but this should only be considered if you meet specific special enrollment requirements. We recommend discussing your options with a licensed health insurance agent well before your 65th birthday to make an informed decision.

To initiate Medicare enrollment, you may contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 or visit their website at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.