Typically, you can enroll for a period of 7 months, starting 3 months before your birthday month. There are additional considerations for those receiving social security income, will plan to continue working after they become Medicare eligible or are currently on Medicare due to long term disability.

Medicare Part A and Part B have deductibles and coinsurance need to be considered. Unless you have a qualified prescription plan, you may also need to enroll in Medicare Part D to avoid penalties.

Unless you are on a qualified employer health plan, you must enroll in Medicare Parts A & B before you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement.

In most cases, you must add a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) such as an HMO or PPO that includes prescription drug coverage. Private insurance companies administer these plans. If you don’t enroll in a qualified prescription drug plan when you are eligible, you may have to pay a penalty.