Can you add Medicare Part B at any time?

No, you generally can't add Medicare Part B at any time; you must enroll during specific periods, like your Initial Enrollment Period (around turning 65) or a Special Enrollment Period (if you have employer coverage), otherwise you might face a late enrollment penalty (10% for each 12-month delay). If you miss these, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31), but penalties usually apply unless you qualify for an SEP by having current employer coverage.

How do I add Medicare Part B if I already have part A?

To add Medicare Part B when you have Part A, you'll generally sign up during a specific enrollment period (like Jan-Mar for General Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period if you have job coverage), complete the CMS-40B form, and possibly the CMS-L564 form (if using employer coverage as a reason for a SEP) to apply online, by mail, or in person with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to avoid penalties. 

How long does it take to add Medicare Part B after applying?

Your Medicare Part B start date depends on when you sign up: signing up in the first three months of your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) gets you coverage the month you turn 65; signing up in the month of your birthday or the three months after usually starts coverage the next month, while signing up during the General Enrollment Period (Jan-Mar) means coverage starts July 1st and may incur penalties. 

What is the penalty for late enrollment of Part B?

The Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty adds 10% to your monthly premium for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't sign up, and you pay it for as long as you have Part B. This permanent penalty applies if you miss your initial enrollment period (around age 65) and don't have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), such as from having current job-based insurance, says Medicare.gov. A two-year delay, for example, results in a 20% penalty added to your standard premium. 

What is the fastest way to apply for Medicare Part B?

Online (at Social Security) – It's the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. (You'll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for benefits.) Contact your local Social Security office.

When Can I Add Medicare Part B if I am over 65 & Didn't Enroll During My Initial Enrollment Period?

Is it better to apply for Medicare Part B online or in person?

If you have been working past 65, are covered by group health insurance, and ready to retire and enroll in Medicare, you can apply for Medicare Part B (and A if you don't have it) 3 months before your group insurance stops. For this type of application, the best way to apply is still the online application.

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?

No, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) is generally not free at age 65; most people pay a monthly premium, which can be higher for those with greater income, although Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is often premium-free if you've paid Social Security taxes for about 10 years. While Part A is free for many, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care and requires a standard monthly payment, with the 2026 standard premium set at $202.90, plus potential penalties for late enrollment. 

How can I lower my Medicare premiums?

To lower Medicare premiums, report income drops from life events like retirement (Form SSA-44), apply for low-income help like Extra Help or Medicaid, use HSA funds for premiums, deduct premiums from taxes, switch to a cheaper Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan, or check if you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through your state. 

How many months in advance should I apply for Medicare Part B?

The Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare begins 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65 — a total of 7 months. You may have to pay a penalty if you miss your Initial Enrollment Period.

What is the standard monthly premium for Part B?

For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month, an increase from the 2025 rate, though some people pay more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, IRMAA) or less due to "hold harmless" rules. The exact amount depends on your income and when you enrolled, with higher earners paying significantly more and some beneficiaries shielded from large increases by Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. 

How do I know if my Medicare Part B has been approved?

You know your Medicare Part B is approved when you get a welcome packet in the mail with your official red, white, and blue Medicare card (with "Medical (Part B)" on it) and a notification letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) confirming your enrollment. You can also check the status online via your My Social Security account or My Medicare account, or by calling the SSA directly. 

Is there an income limit for Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B has income limits, called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), where higher Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) leads to higher premiums, with 2026 brackets starting above $109,000 for individuals and $218,000 for couples, based on your 2024 tax return, with higher earnings pushing you into surcharges added to the standard $202.90 premium. For example, individuals earning over $109,000 (up to $137,000) pay the standard premium plus an $81.20 surcharge, while higher earners pay even more, with substantial jumps at higher income levels.
 

Can I enroll in Medicare Part B later?

Yes, you can sign up for Medicare Part B later, especially if you have employer coverage, using a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to avoid penalties, but if you miss that, you can use the General Enrollment Period (GEP) (Jan 1 - Mar 31) and likely pay a lifelong penalty. The key is to sign up within 8 months of losing creditable group health coverage to prevent penalties, or you'll face extra costs added to your premium. 

What is the 3 month rule for Medicare?

Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. (You may be eligible for Medicare earlier, if you get disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.)

What are the disadvantages of delaying Medicare Part B?

Part B late enrollment penalty

You'll pay an extra 10% for each year you could have signed up for Part B, but didn't. You may also pay a higher premium depending on your income.

At what age do you stop paying Medicare premiums?

Your CalPERS health coverage will automatically be canceled the first day of the month after you turn 65. See Cancellation of CalPERS Health Coverage for information on reinstating your health coverage.

How much will Medicare Part B cost in 2025?

For 2025, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185 per month, but higher-income earners pay more through Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA), with costs increasing based on income brackets (e.g., a standard premium plus an extra $406.90 for higher earners). If you receive Social Security benefits and are under the income threshold, your premium might be deducted directly from your check and could be lower due to the "hold harmless" rule, though new enrollees in 2025 will pay the full $185. 

What are the 5 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Medicare generally doesn't cover long-term care, most dental care, routine vision services (like glasses), hearing aids/fittings, and cosmetic surgery, though it does provide strong coverage for hospital and doctor services; you can often get coverage for these gaps through Medicare Advantage (Part C) or supplemental plans. 

What is the best health insurance for seniors on Medicare?

There's no single "best" health plan, as it depends on your needs, but top providers for Medicare Advantage (Part C) include Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and BCBS, offering diverse benefits like $0 premiums, extra perks, and strong networks, while Medigap (Medicare Supplement) complements Original Medicare by filling gaps, with popular carriers like AARP/UHC, Anthem, and Cigna providing standardized policies (Plans G, F, N), with personalized choices best found via your State SHIP counselor or broker. 

What states have the worst Medicare Advantage plans?

States often cited for weaker Medicare Advantage performance include Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Florida, due to challenges with care access, provider shortages, and quality issues like higher rates of avoidable hospitalizations and inappropriate medication prescriptions, though specific rankings vary by report and focus (e.g., satisfaction vs. overall system). Other states like New York, California, Texas, and Michigan appear on lists for low member satisfaction with specific plans, not necessarily the whole state's system. 

What does Dave Ramsey say about Medicare?

Dave Ramsey's Medicare advice centers on planning ahead, understanding enrollment periods to avoid penalties, using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) if possible, and supplementing Original Medicare with Medigap or Medicare Advantage (Part C) to cover gaps like dental, vision, and long-term care, stressing that mistakes can be costly and recommending expert advice for personalized choices. 

What are the three words to remember for a Medicare wellness exam?

For a Medicare Wellness Exam's cognitive test, the three common words to remember are often "banana," "sunrise," and "chair," used in the Mini-Cog screening to check your memory and thinking skills; you say them immediately and then recall them after a few minutes. 

Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?

Talk to someone

You can also: Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help from Medicare is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.