Enrolling In Medicare When Turning 65

Turning 65: Your First Steps

Your first step is enrolling in Original Medicare, Medicare Parts A and B. Here’s what you need to know to get started with Medicare.

Enrolling In Original Medicare When Turning 65

The best time for you to enroll in Original Medicare is during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is the three months before your 65th birthday month, the month you turn 65, and the three months thereafter. But there are some exceptions. We'll help you understand Medicare eligibility, and when you should enroll in Original Medicare. Then we'll help you complete the rest of your coverage.

Are you still employed?

Things To Know If You're Still Working Past 65

If you plan to keep working, and have healthcare coverage from your employer, here are some important things to know about Medicare.

How many people are in your company?

20 or more

When you work for a larger employer, you have choices. You should always check with your company’s benefits administrator before making any changes as in some instances, you may not be able to return to your company’s plan.

Fewer than 20

In most cases, switching to Original Medicare will be your best option. First, you'll want to sign up for Original Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is the three months before your 65th birthday month, the month you turn 65, and the three months thereafter. Then talk to us about Anthem Medicare plans with benefits that include prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing.

Self-employed

If you're self-employed or on an individual plan, chances are you'll want Original Medicare when you turn 65, even if you're still working. Sign up for Original Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is the three months before your 65th birthday month, the month you turn 65, and the three months thereafter to avoid late fees and gaps in your coverage. Then you can find the right health plans here with us to add more coverage for things like prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing. Our plans typically cover the copays, coinsurance, and deductibles of Original Medicare.

Original Medicare Costs

Monthly Premiums

For most people the monthly premium for Part A is $0 and the monthly premium for Part B is $185.00*.

For Part A you may pay more if you or your spouse did not contribute to social security via payroll taxes for at least 10 years. For Part B you may pay more based on your current income.

Copays, Coinsurance, and Deductibles:

There are also co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles with Original Medicare Parts A and B.

For Part A, there is a $1,676* deductible per benefit period. This is not an annual deductible. A benefit period starts when you’re admitted to a hospital or inpatient facility and ends 60 days after your release. There are also copays with Part A. Your copay for the first 60 days in a hospital is $0*. For days 61-90, your copay is $419* per day. For days 91 and beyond, the copay is $838* per day.

For Part B, the annual deductible is $257*. You will also pay 20% coinsurance for doctor visits or other outpatient care.

Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover prescription drugs and there is no annual maximum for your out-of-pocket costs.

We offer plans with $0 or low monthly premiums, no medical deductibles, prescription drug coverage, and annual maximum out-of-pocket protection. They also cover services and expenses Original Medicare doesn’t. There are programs available if you need more help affording the costs of Medicare. Learn more about Medicare costs.

*Note: All pricing reflects Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) costs for 2025. CMS typically updates these costs for the next calendar year in late October or November.

What Disabilities Qualify For Medicare Under 65?

If you’re permanently disabled and you’ve been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for at least two years, you’re eligible for Medicare and you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

If you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you’ll qualify for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) no matter how old you are. You’ll need to sign up for Medicare when you first become eligible, as enrollment is not automatic. Contact Social Security or visit your local Social Security office for more information on signing up for Medicare if you have ESRD.

If you have ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B the month your disability benefits begin — whatever your age is.

Is Medicare Mandatory At Age 65?

Enrolling in Original Medicare is not mandatory, but you might have gaps in coverage or will have to pay late enrollment penalties if you don’t enroll when your first eligible. If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. If you’re not enrolled in Social Security and you decide not to sign up for Original Medicare Parts A and B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay late-enrollment fees.

Is There A Penalty For Not Signing Up For Medicare At Age 65?

Yes. If you don’t enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D when you're first eligible, your monthly premiums may go up by as much as 10% for each year you were eligible but didn't sign up. In most cases, you'll have to pay this penalty each time on your monthly premiums, for as long as you have Medicare.

Making Sure Your Loved Ones Are Covered

It’s important to think about any dependents you have on your current health insurance plan. When you sign up for Medicare, your dependents will no longer be covered under that plan or under your new Medicare plan if you’re the primary insurance holder on your plan. Your dependents can purchase a separate individual or family health plan from a private insurer, like us.