Health insurance costs to rise in 2026; here’s how to avoid higher rates

When should you sign up for Medicare?

You are first enrolled in Medicare for seven months. It begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your 65th birthday.

1. Enroll in or switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
2. Return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
3. If they drop out of Medicare Advantage, add a Part D prescription drug plan

You will automatically be registered for Parts A and B if you receive the following information: social Security Benefits during your first Medicare enrollment window. If not, you must take the initiative to register yourself.

What happens when you miss the deadline to enroll in Medicare?

If you do not do this during the initial enrollment window, you will have subsequent opportunities to enroll in Medicare.

1. For each 12 months you are eligible for Medicare Part B coverage but choose not to enroll, a 10% premium surcharge will apply.
2. If you do not have deductible drug coverage for 63 days or more after the end of your initial enrollment period, you will be required to pay the Medicare Part D surcharge.

You should note that you can generally avoid these penalties if you enroll during the special enrollment period you receive due to these conditions, provided you are still employed and covered by a qualified group health plan during the initial Medicare enrollment window.