Turning 65 is a milestone that comes with important health insurance decisions. You have a 7-month window to enroll in Medicare without penalty.
Your IEP is a 7-month window: 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and 3 months after. Missing your IEP entirely results in permanent late enrollment penalties.
Part A covers hospital stays (free for most). Part B covers doctor visits ($185.00/month in 2026). Part C (Medicare Advantage) replaces Parts A+B. Part D covers prescription drugs.
If you're still working and covered by employer insurance (20+ employees), you can delay Part B without penalty. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you should enroll in Medicare at 65.
Apply during the 3 months before your 65th birthday month for coverage starting on your birthday. You can apply online at ssa.gov.
Part A is free for most people. Part B costs $185.00/month in 2026. Medigap Plan G adds $120 to $180/month. Medicare Advantage plans range from $0 to $150/month.
If your spouse's employer has 20+ employees, you can stay on their plan and delay Medicare without penalty. But you should still enroll in Part A (it is free).
The Part B late enrollment penalty is 10% of the standard premium for every 12 months you delay enrollment. This penalty is permanent.
Medigap Plan G offers the most flexibility but costs more. Medicare Advantage has lower premiums but restricts you to network doctors. Your health status and budget determine which is right.
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