When people first become eligible for Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A), they have a seven-month period in which to enroll in Medicare Medical Insurance (Part B). If they delay in signing up for Part B, they may face a higher premium and a delay in coverage.
If they are eligible at age 65 for Medicare, their initial enrollment period starts three months before their 65th birthday, including their birthday month, and ends three months after their birthday.
If they are eligible for Medicare based on a disability, their initial enrollment period depends on the day their disability or treatment began. For most conditions, people have to wait 24 months after they begin receiving disability payments under the Social Security program before they begin drawing Medicare benefits. If they have end-stage renal disease (ESRD), they become eligible for Medicare after their third dialysis treatment. If they have Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), they become eligible for Medicare as soon as they begin receiving the disability payment check.
RELATED FAQs
How Do Beneficiaries Pay Medicare Medical Insurance (Part B) Premiums?
How Does a Person Apply for Medicare?
How Do People Submit a Medicare Claim or Bill?
