PrimeBond Insurance · Medicare
Understand Medicare Before You Choose
Learn the parts, find your enrollment timeline, and compare the plans we represent that are available in your area based on your doctors, prescriptions, priorities, and budget.
Turning 65 calculator
Turning 65? Start with your timeline.
Enter your date of birth to see the dates surrounding your 65th birthday and learn where to begin.
Medicare Parts A and B enrollment is handled by the Social Security Administration, not by PrimeBond or any insurance agency. Visit Social Security's Medicare enrollment resources or call 1-800-772-1213.
This educational estimate is not an eligibility determination, enrollment guarantee, or legal advice. Timing can vary based on how you qualify, when you enroll, current-employment coverage, disability eligibility, and other individual circumstances.
Your educational timeline will appear here with important dates and next steps.
What could change your timeline?
Your birthday is only one part of Medicare timing. Benefits you already receive, current-employment coverage, and prescription drug coverage can affect what you need to do next.
If your 65th birthday falls on the first day of a month, your Medicare eligibility timing generally shifts one month earlier. Use the calculator to check your enrollment dates. Premium-free Part A generally starts the month before your birthday month. Your Part B start date depends on when you enroll.
If you've been receiving Social Security retirement benefits for at least four months before turning 65, you're generally enrolled automatically in Parts A and B. If you aren't receiving benefits, you generally need to sign up. Check your Medicare welcome package and Part B decision.
Medicare.gov: How do I sign up? →Social Security: Sign up for Medicare →
You may be able to delay Part B without a late enrollment penalty if you have qualifying group health coverage through your or your spouse's current employment. Ask the employer's benefits administrator how the coverage pays with Medicare before delaying. When the employment or coverage ends, whichever happens first, an eight-month Part B Special Enrollment Period generally begins. COBRA does not extend that window.
Creditable prescription drug coverage is coverage expected to pay, on average, at least as much as Medicare drug coverage. Ask your current plan whether its drug coverage is creditable and keep its annual notice. Going 63 days or more in a row without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage after you're eligible may lead to a Part D late enrollment penalty.
The parts
What each part covers
Parts A and B are Original Medicare. Part C is Medicare Advantage. Part D handles prescriptions. Understanding the roles makes later comparisons clearer.
Part A — Hospital
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium because of their work history.
Part B — Medical
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. Most people pay a standard monthly Part B premium, which is set each year. People with higher incomes may pay an additional income-related amount. Part B can also have a deductible and cost sharing.
Part C — Medicare Advantage
A private plan that bundles Parts A and B, often with drug coverage and extras. Networks and prior authorization rules vary widely.
Part D — Prescription Drugs
Drug coverage through a private plan. Your specific medication list — not the premium — should drive the choice.
Key enrollment periods
When you can act
The right period depends on your age, current coverage, and circumstances. Review timing before making a change.
Initial Enrollment Period
Seven months around your 65th birthday: three before, your birthday month, and three after.
Special Enrollment Period
Triggered by qualifying events such as losing employer coverage or moving out of a plan's service area.
General Enrollment Period (Part A and Part B enrollment)
January 1–March 31, for Part A or Part B enrollment where applicable. Coverage generally begins the month after you sign up.
Medicare Open Enrollment (Annual Enrollment Period)
October 15–December 7. Changes generally take effect January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1–March 31: If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can generally make one permitted change, including switching to another Medicare Advantage plan or returning to Original Medicare.
Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally begins the first month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. After it ends, your ability to buy a policy may be limited unless you have another protection or guaranteed issue right.
Costs of waiting
Late-enrollment penalties
Some penalties may continue as long as you have the coverage. Learn the rules early and confirm how they apply to your situation.
Part B late penalty
If you don't qualify for a penalty-free enrollment period, the Part B premium may increase by 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't sign up. You generally pay the penalty for as long as you have Part B.
Part D late penalty
The Part D penalty is based on the number of full months you went without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage after you were eligible. It is generally added to your monthly premium for as long as you have Part D.
Your next lesson
Keep learning in Medicare 101
Start with Lesson 1, What Is Medicare?, then return here for your timeline.
Questions
Medicare questions we hear most
Review your Medicare options with someone who explains them
Bring your doctors and medication list. We compare the plans we represent that are available in your area and explain the trade-offs in plain language.
Important information
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer in your area. For information on all of your options, please visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
PrimeBond Insurance is an independent insurance agency currently representing certain Medicare products offered by UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, and Humana. Plan and product availability varies by service area, eligibility, and carrier authorization. PrimeBond Insurance does not represent every insurance company or every Medicare plan available in your area.
PrimeBond Insurance is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.