Medicare Initial Enrollment Time Periods
Question: I will be 65 on August 1st, six months from now. Can I sign up early for Medicare--so it will be effective on my birthday?
Answer: You may enroll in Medicare 3 months prior to your 65th Birthday. So, you can enroll in Medicare Part B in May. Because your birthday is 08/01, your effective date will be July 01 (that is only the case for people with birthdays on the 1st of the month) You may apply for a Medicare Supplement 6 months prior to your 65th birthday and up to 6 months after your 65th birthday. In your case the supplement would be effective July 01 also. You may apply for a Part D drug plan 3 months prior to your birthday and the effective date will be July 01.
