When to Apply for Medicare

​Most people should apply for Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — but there are exceptions depending on work coverage and special circumstances.

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1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The IEP is your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare.
It’s a 7-month window based on your 65th birthday:

If you turn 65 in...Your IEP is...

JuneMarch 1 – September 30

IEP Timing:

• Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month

• Includes your birthday month

• Ends 3 months after your birthday month

✅ During this time, you can enroll in:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance)

• Part B (Medical Insurance)

• Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

• Or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

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2. Delaying Medicare if Still Working (or Covered by a Spouse)

If you are still working or covered under a spouse’s active employer group health plan (20+ employees), you can delay enrolling in Part B (and Part D) without a penalty.

• You must actively have “creditable coverage” (employer group coverage that is at least as good as Medicare).

• No need to pay Part B premiums until you actually retire or lose work coverage.

When you retire or lose your employer coverage, you get a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in Medicare without penalties.

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3. CMS-L564 Form (Employer Verification for Late Enrollment)

If you delay Part B because of employer coverage, when you’re ready to enroll you must submit:

• CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B. Use this form if you already have Part A)

• CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information)

CMS-L564 is filled out by your employer to prove you had coverage, protecting you from penalties when you're ready to make Medicare your primary health insurance.
👉 You can find these forms above!

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4. Late Enrollment Penalties

If you don’t enroll in time and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you’ll pay penalties:

• Part B Late Penalty = 10% increase in your Part B premium for each 12-month period you delayed enrollment. This penalty is for life if you do not file the CMS-L564 form mentioned previously.

• Part D Late Penalty = 1% of the national base premium multiplied by the number of months you went without drug coverage. Also for life unless you qualify for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy).

• Example: If you delay Part B by 2 years without employer coverage, your Part B premium will be 20% higher forever. This is why it is important to consult with one of our licensed experts.

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✅ Quick Summary Checklist:

• 🎯 Turning 65? Apply 3 months before your birthday unless you have work insurance.

• 🏥 Still working? Delay Part B and Part D; enroll when you retire using CMS-L564.

• ⚠️ No coverage and missed IEP? Prepare for late penalties that last for life.