How to Sign Up for Medicare

Understanding how to sign up for Medicare can help you feel more confident and prepared. Whether you are turning age 65 or have a qualifying condition like end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or ALS, knowing when and how to enroll is important. This page will guide you through: 

• When you can sign up 
• How to apply online or by phone 
• What you need to do before enrolling 
• When and how to make changes to your coverage 

When can I enroll in Medicare? 

If you’re turning age 65 

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the best time to sign up for Medicare. It starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month and ends three months after. 

If you don’t enroll during this window, you may face late enrollment penalties that could last as long as you have Medicare. 

If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period 

You can use the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which runs January 1 to March 31 each year. If you sign up during the GEP, your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage will begin on July 1. 

You can then enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D drug plan from April 1 to June 30. 

If you’re retiring after age 65 

If you stayed on your employer group health plan past age 65, you’ll get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period once your employment or coverage ends. 

During this time, you can sign up for Medicare Part B without paying a late penalty. 

What if I need to change my Medicare coverage? 

If your life situation changes 

If you move, lose other health insurance, get divorced or experience another qualifying life event, you may be able to change your Medicare coverage. You’ll have a 2-month Special Enrollment Period to switch Medicare Advantage plans or Part D drug plans. 

During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 

From October 15 to December 7, you can add, drop or switch plans. Any changes will take effect on January 1 of the following year. 

During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period 

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make a one-time switch between January 1 and March 31. You can: 

• Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan 
• Go back to Original Medicare 
• Add a Medicare Part D drug plan 

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid 

If you are dual eligible, you can join or switch a Medicare Special Needs Plan at any time. This gives you more flexibility to find the right plan for your needs. 

What to do before you sign up for Medicare 

Before you apply online or enroll another way, it helps to get organized. You’ll want to review your options and gather important documents, especially if you are also receiving benefits from Social Security, retirement benefits, or have a disability, ESRD or ALS. 

Use our Medicare Initial Enrollment Period Prep List to stay on track. 

Ready to enroll or make changes? 

• Making Changes to Your Medicare Enrollment 
• Medicare Enrollment FAQs 

Need help? 

Learn more about Banner Health’s Medicare Advantage plans. 

Call 833-516-1007 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent. 

• October 1 – March 31: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week 
• April 1 – September 30: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday – Friday