Medicare Automatic Enrollment Rules – Will I Be Enrolled Automatically In Medicare?

2026 · WILL I BE ENROLLED AUTOMATICALLY IN MEDICARE?
Have you (or will you have) received Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits for at least 4 months before turning age 65?Do you plan to sign up within the 7-month window that includes the month you turn age 65 and the 3 months before and after?Coverage for Part A and B begins the first day of the month you turn 65.Medicare Advantage andPart D can begin at the same time.Coverage for Part A and B begins the first day of the month after your birthday month.Coverage for Part A and B begins the first day of the month after the month you enrolled. See “Will I Avoid Medicare Enrollment Penalties?” flowchart.Medicare Advantage andPart D can begin the month after enrollment.If you choose Medigap, it's best to enroll during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period (beginning the first month that you have Part B and are 65 or older). You will be enrolled automatically when you turn age 65. You will be enrolled automatically when you receive Social Security Disability benefits.You will be enrolled automatically in Part A upon collecting Social Security benefits after age 65. You must sign up for Medicare according to the Initial Enrollment Period Rules:Because you will sign up more than 3 months after you turn age 65, but before claiming Social Security benefits, you must sign up for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, or, if you are eligible, a Special Enrollment Period.This would avoid the risk of underwriting, increased costs, and/or denial of coverage.Do you have ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease?Do you plan to enroll in Medicare before you claim Social Security benefits?See "Will I Avoid Medicare Enrollment Penalties?" flowchart.You will have to sign up for Medicare.NoYesYou will be enrolled automatically after you receive disability benefits from Social Security or RRB for 24 months.Do you have a disability?If you enroll up to 3 months before turning 65...If you enroll in your birthday month...If you enroll 1 month after your birthday month...YesNoYesNoYesNoNoYesYou are defaulted into Part B unless you opt out.START HERE
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Weiser Financial Planning, LLC is a Fiduciary, and Fee-Only Financial Planning Firm. A Registered Investment Adviser in Lewis Center, OH that provides Comprehensive Financial Planning and Investment Management Services to clients in the Columbus & Central Ohio area, as well as Nationwide though online virtual meetings. Ryan J. Weiser CFP®, CDFA® is the president and founder of Weiser Financial Planning LLC. He helps people connect their money with the things that are most important to them by making wise financial decisions, so they can maximize their money and live the best life possible. 

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