When to Sign Up-Timing Is Everything
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your 7-month window around your 65th birthday:
- 3 months BEFORE your birthday month
- Your birthday month
- 3 months AFTER your birthday month
Best time to enroll — no penalties, no gaps. Sign up early to avoid coverage gaps!
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Still working with employer coverage at 65:
- You or spouse covered by active employer plan
- 8-month window after that coverage ends
Important: COBRA does NOT qualify for SEP. Retiree coverage does NOT qualify.
Missing your window = permanent late enrollment penalty.
Understanding Medicare Part A & Part B
Part A — Hospital Insurance
What it covers:
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Home health care
- Hospice care
Cost: FREE for most people (40+ work credits). Automatic if collecting Social Security.
Part B — Medical Insurance
What it covers:
- Doctor visits & outpatient care
- Preventive services & screenings
- Lab tests & X-rays
- Durable medical equipment
Cost: $185/month standard premium (2025). Higher income = higher premium (IRMAA).
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Private insurance replacing Original Medicare.
- Often $0 or low monthly premium
- Usually includes Part D drug coverage
- May include dental, vision, hearing
- Network-based (HMO or PPO)
- Copays at time of service
Best for: lower upfront costs and added benefits
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Covers gaps left by Original Medicare.
- Higher monthly premium
- Very predictable out-of-pocket costs
- See any Medicare-accepting doctor
- No referrals needed
- Requires a separate Part D plan
Best for: maximum flexibility and predictability
Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage
What You Need to Know
Part D covers your prescription drugs — either as a standalone plan or bundled inside a Medicare Advantage plan.
Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period — even if you don't take medications now. Waiting without creditable coverage triggers a permanent penalty.
How to choose the right plan:
- List all your medications (name, dose, frequency)
- Compare plans at medicare.gov/plan-compare
- Confirm your drugs are in the plan's formulary
- Compare total costs: premium + deductible + copays
The Late Enrollment Penalty
If you go without creditable drug coverage and don't have a valid reason, Medicare adds a permanent penalty to your Part D premium.
The penalty is 1% of the national base premium for every month you went without coverage.
It never goes away — it's added to your premium for as long as you have Part D.
Don't wait. Enroll on time even if you're healthy!
How to Sign Up for Medicare — 3 Ways to Enroll
Online & By Phone
Online (Fastest & Easiest):
Visit ssa.gov/medicare
- Create or log into your my Social Security account
- Click "Apply for Medicare"
- Takes about 10-20 minutes, available 24/7
By Phone:
Call 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Mon-Fri, 8am-7pm local time
A representative walks you through the application.
In Person & What to Bring
In Person:
Visit your local Social Security office.
Find yours at ssa.gov/locator
Schedule an appointment to reduce wait time.
What to bring:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of citizenship or residency
- W-2 or tax return if still working
- Medicare card if already enrolled in Part A
Best for complex situations or if you have questions.
Helpful Resources — Official Links
Sign Up & Coverage
Sign Up for Medicare:
ssa.gov/medicare
Compare Drug Plans (Part D):
medicare.gov/plan-compare
Medicare Official Site:
medicare.gov
Find a Social Security Office:
ssa.gov/locator
Extra Help & Counseling
Extra Help with Drug Costs (Low Income):
ssa.gov/extrahelp
Free Medicare Counseling (SHIP):
shiphelp.org
Medicare Handbook (free download):
medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare
Michigan SHIP Helpline:
1-800-803-7174