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Signing up for Medicare
Know how and when to enroll in Medicare, understand the eligibility requirements, and learn about the different parts of Medicare.
By Devoted Health Team
November 13, 2025
Ready to sign up for Medicare, but… not sure where to start? Let’s get into it! In this guide, we’ll cover some common questions about Medicare, including who qualifies and when — so you know how to get the coverage you need and the care you deserve.
When am I eligible to sign up for Medicare?
There are several ways you can be eligible for Medicare:
- You’re turning 65
- You’re under 65 with certain disabilities
- You’re 65 or older and retiring
What happens if I don’t sign up in time?
It’s very important to sign up for Medicare within the right timeframe, so you don’t get stuck with big medical bills — or Medicare penalties. Late Medicare enrollment penalties are:
- Added to your monthly premium
- Not a one-time late fee and usually charged for as long as you have Medicare coverage
- Based on how long you go without coverage similar to Medicare, and they go up the longer you wait to sign up
Bottom line: be sure to sign up on time! The key starting point is the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — then there are other enrollment periods when you can switch your plan, depending on different circumstances. There are also Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs). Note: If you miss the IEP, you can enroll during the Open Enrollment Period, but you may face penalties.
Here are all the enrollment periods you’ll want to keep track of:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
When you turn 65, you have a 7-month window to sign up, starting 3 months before your birthday.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Every year from October 15 to December 7, anyone eligible for Medicare can enroll.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
From January 1 to March 31, Medicare Advantage enrollees can make changes to their plans.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
You may qualify for a SEP if you:
- Are under 65 with certain disabilities
- Are 65 or older and retiring
- Want to switch to a 5-Star plan that’s become available in your area
- Gained, lost, or had a change in your Medicaid or LIS status
- Live with a health condition that qualifies for a chronic special needs plan (C-SNP)
- Move outside your current plan’s service area
- Discover an enrollment or plan error
What if I’m still working when I’m 65? Can I delay signing up?
Generally, if you or your spouse is still working at age 65 and is covered by employer-sponsored insurance, you can put enrollment on pause. More specifically, you can delay enrollment in what’s called Medicare Part B (certain doctors' services, outpatient hospital care, occupational and physical therapies, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services).
After you do stop working/retire or lose employer-sponsored health insurance, you have 8 months to sign up for Medicare during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
What if I’m using COBRA coverage? Does it affect my eligibility for Medicare?
COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985. This is a federal law that allows you to continue your health insurance coverage under a former employer's plan for a limited time after an event like losing or resigning from a job. This coverage continuation is generally available for 18 or 36 months (at a significant cost to you), depending on the qualifying event.
Here’s where to be careful: If you choose to use COBRA coverage and don’t sign up for Medicare when you’re first eligible, you may end up paying a lifelong late enrollment penalty. Why? Because COBRA coverage isn’t considered to be employer-sponsored health coverage — so when your COBRA coverage ends, you wouldn’t qualify for that 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that’s usually available after retirement.
What are the different parts of Medicare (also known as Original or traditional Medicare)?
Part A (hospital insurance): Helps to cover the big stuff, like hospitalizations, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and home health care.
Part B (medical insurance): Helps cover routine care, like doctor appointments, outpatient care, preventive services, and occupational and physical therapies.
Part C (Medicare Advantage): Medicare Advantage plans offer all-in-one coverage and are an alternative to Original Medicare Part A and Part B (which only cover about 80% of your costs). Medicare Advantage plans are available through private insurance companies (like Devoted Health!) that contract with the federal government. Medicare Advantage plans provide the same benefits as Original Medicare and may also include prescription drugs, as well as allowances for dental, vision, and hearing, plus extras like fitness benefits.
Part D (prescription drug coverage): Helps to cover the cost of prescription drugs. You will need to buy a prescription drug plan (Part D) to cover medications, or a Medicare Supplement plan to help with copays and other costs. If you don’t enroll in a prescription drug plan during your Initial Enrollment Period — and don’t have other prescription drug coverage — you’ll owe a late-enrollment penalty. This penalty is known as the Part D late-enrollment penalty. This is a permanent surcharge that’s added to your monthly Part D premium, and it’s based on the number of months you went without creditable coverage.
What else should I know about Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C)?
Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Eligibility: Typically, to be eligible for Medicare Advantage, you must first be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Once you’re signed up for Medicare Advantage, you won’t be using Parts A and B directly. However, you still need to be officially enrolled in them.
Healthcare needs: How often do you visit the doctor? Do you live with a chronic condition? Do you take prescription medication? Medicare Advantage plans often include additional benefits, like prescription drug coverage and allowances for dental and vision care, which Original Medicare does not.
Plan options: Research different Medicare Advantage plans available in your area (or talk to a broker who can help). These plans can vary in terms of coverage, network restrictions, costs, and extra perks, so review the details carefully. Also, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides Star ratings that can help you gauge the quality of care and services.
Costs: Original Medicare generally covers 80% of the costs for most outpatient care and services, like doctor visits and lab tests, once you’ve met your deductible. You would, however, be responsible for the remaining 20% of those costs, in addition to the Part B premium and deductible — and there’s no out-of-pocket max. With Medicare Advantage, you can often avoid monthly plan premiums (aside from the Part B premium), and get more coverage, generally speaking. So grab that calculator! Evaluate the costs associated with Original Medicare as compared with a Medicare Advantage plan, including premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums, along with dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.
Network restrictions: Medicare Advantage plans typically have provider networks (HMO or PPO). Check to see if your healthcare providers are in the network, and understand potential out-of-network costs.
Additional benefits: Do you enjoy an active lifestyle? Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer such benefits as gym memberships and wellness programs.
Enrollment periods: Make sure to sign up during the appropriate time. The Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15 to December 7. There’s also an Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31, when you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or back to Original Medicare).
Still not sure if Medicare Advantage is right for you? You might want to speak with a licensed insurance agent or a Medicare counselor who can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances and needs. You can also check the quality ratings for Medicare Advantage plans.
So what should I do when I’m ready to sign up for Medicare?
First, make a list of your regular healthcare services, like:
- Routine check-ups
- Specialist visits
- Prescription medications
Next, determine what you can afford to pay in monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. And make sure to have the following handy:
- Your Social Security number
- Your birthdate
- Information about any current health insurance coverage
- Bank information for premium payments, if applicable
Where do I sign up for Medicare?
You can sign up:
- Online via the Social Security Administration (SSA) website
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213 to sign up or get assistance from the SSA
- By scheduling an in-person appointment at your local Social Security office
- Through a Medicare broker who can help you choose the plan that’s best for you
I enrolled! Now what happens?
After enrolling, you’ll receive a Medicare card in the mail. This card will include your Medicare number and coverage information. Take time to review the details, especially if you’re also considering supplemental insurance (also known as Medigap coverage) or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Remember: Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare Parts A and B, but you still have to enroll in Original Medicare first. Then you’ll be able to sign up for Medicare Advantage if you choose to.
You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan:
- By enrolling through a private insurance company that offers this type of plan
- Through a medicare broker who can help you choose a plan that’s best for you
Set up an online Medicare account
Once you’re enrolled for Original Medicare, consider creating an account at MyMedicare.gov to manage your coverage and claims. This online account can also be helpful when it comes to looking up information about your benefits.
How Devoted Health can help
We have licensed representatives available to answer your questions about Medicare and Devoted Health Medicare Advantage plans. Call us at 1-800-451-9768 (TTY 711) for personalized assistance. You can also get a free Medicare Comparison Guide.