Enrolling In Medicare When Turning 65
Do I Automatically Receive Medicare When I Turn 65?
Yes, most people qualify for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) when they turn 65. But the rules about Medicare eligibility and when you can enroll for Medicare Parts A and B can be complicated. They’re based on your age, if you’re retired or still working, if you have a disability, and whether or not you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
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 the three months before the month you turn 65. 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?
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YES |
NO, I’M RETIRED |
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You’re probably still enrolled in the healthcare plan you have with your employer. That’s great, but you can still check out whether using parts of Medicare could save you money even while you work. Explore our Medicare plans and watch for yearly enrollment periods. |
Now is the time to sign up for Original Medicare. If you just turned 65, you can sign up now and avoid late enrollment penalties. However, your coverage may take a few months to kick in. Once you’re enrolled, come back to Anthem to complete your coverage with one of our Medicare plans. |
How To Enroll In Original Medicare When Turning 65
Are you receiving Social Security?
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YES |
NO |
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If you already receive Social Security benefits, you do not need to sign up for Medicare. You will automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) when you become eligible. |
If you haven’t signed up for Social Security yet and you’re no longer working, be sure to do it at least three months before your 65th birthday month. You can go to www.ssa.gov for more information and to sign up.
Need more information about when and how to sign up for Medicare, Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription (Part D), and Medicare Supplement? Check out our Sign Up for Medicare page. |
Things To Know If You’re Still Working Past 65
If you plan to keep working, here are some important things to know about how you might want to use 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.
If you work at a large company, you can keep your employer’s plan even after turning 65. If you like your health plan and it’s affordable, you can wait to receive Medicare benefits until you retire. When you do retire, you will likely be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Interested in learning about Original Medicare, when you become eligible, plus when and how to sign up? Learn More
Even though you’re still working, using parts of Medicare could save you money. Some employer plans cost more to cover things like hospital coverage, prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing. Adding Original Medicare and an Anthem plan, in addition to your employer plan, could cover these extras at an affordable price. Check out what Original Medicare does and doesn’t cover on our Original Medicare: Parts A & B page.
Sometimes the best option is to take Medicare when you turn 65, even if you’re still working. You may be able to save money on hospital and medical insurance with Original Medicare, Parts A and B. On top of those savings, you can save on coverage for prescription drugs, vision, dental, and hearing with our Anthem Medicare plans. First, you’ll want to sign up for Original Medicare with the government during the three months before your 65th birthday month. Then you can add all the additional coverage you’ll need right here with us.
Fewer than 20
In most cases, switching to Medicare will be your best option. Medicare is designed to help you save money on all your healthcare needs, so there are lots of good options when you switch. First, you’ll sign up for Original Medicare with the government during the three months before your 65th birthday month. Then talk to us about Anthem Medicare plans with additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing.
Self-employed
If you’re self-employed or on an individual plan, chances are you’ll want Medicare when you turn 65, even if you’re still working. The good news is, it should save you money on your health insurance. Medicare is designed to help. Sign up for Original Medicare with the government in the three months before you turn 65 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. Some of our plans can also save you money on the costs of Original Medicare.
Medicare Costs For Seniors
You may have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A, but most people don’t, and Medicare Part B monthly premiums are very affordable. Your monthly premiums are determined by your income. You can receive additional benefits with private insurers like us to help you cover services and expenses Original Medicare doesn’t cover. There are also special programs available if you need more help affording the costs of Medicare. Learn more about Medicare costs.
What Disabilities Qualify For Medicare Under 65?
If you’re permanently disabled and you’ve been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 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?
If you’re already receiving Social Security 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 Medicare Part 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 premium 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.
Find A Medicare Plan That Fits Your Needs And Budget.
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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a PDP plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal.