I delayed Medicare at 65. How do I enroll now?

 

• Dates: If you delayed enrolling into Medicare you may enroll during the Open Enrollment Period which is from January 1st to March 31st of each year. You may also enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period which is from October 15th to December 7th of every year.
• Eligibility: Anyone who is eligible for Medicare can enroll during these periods, regardless of the reason they delayed.
• Penalty: You will likely have to pay a late enrollment penalty for each month you delayed enrolling after your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). The penalty amount depends on how long you delayed.
• How to enroll: You can enroll online at the Social Security website (https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/), by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

Special Enrollment Period:

• Eligibility: You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience certain life events, such as:
• Losing employer-sponsored health insurance.
• Retiring.
• Moving to a new area.
• Having your disability benefits approved.
• No penalty: You won't have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you enroll during your Special Enrollment Period.
• How to determine eligibility: Check the Social Security website (https://www.medicare.gov/) or contact your local Social Security office for details on specific events and eligibility requirements.

Other options:

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: If you're currently in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different plan within your plan's service area between January 1st and March 31st of each year.
• Employer-sponsored retiree health insurance: Some employers offer retiree health insurance plans. If your employer offers such a plan, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare until you reach a certain age or meet other eligibility requirements.

Important things to remember:

• Gather your documentation: You will need to provide your Social Security number, Medicare card (if you have one), and documentation of your income and assets.
• Compare plans: Before enrolling, it's important to compare different Medicare plans to find one that meets your needs and budget. You can use Medicare's Plan Finder tool at https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/.
• Get help: If you need assistance enrolling in Medicare, you can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at https://www.shiphelp.org/: https://www.shiphelp.org/.