Are You 65 Or Older and Need Medicare Part B? Sign Up Now Through March 31
Reading Time: 3 MinutesLast Updated: February 6, 2025
If you’re 65 or older and didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B during the automatic, initial or special enrollment periods, now’s your chance.
You can sign up for Part B (medical insurance) during the annual Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP), which is January 1 through March 31.
Your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is likely free for you because you (or your spouse) paid Medicare taxes while working. Part B is voluntary, and most people pay a monthly premium as well as other costs.
If you declined Part B, you may pay a penalty for delayed enrollment. The penalty may increase the longer you wait to sign up.
Enrollment in Medicare is not automatic if you’re not getting Social Security benefits. You should choose an enrollment period that’s right for you.
Who can use the General Enrollment Period?
You can sign up for Medicare during the GEP if:
- You were receiving benefits at 65 and were automatically enrolled in Medicare but declined Part B.
- You did not sign up for Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period.
- You missed (or didn’t have) a Special Enrollment Period.
- Your Part B ended because of non-payment of premiums or voluntary withdrawal.
- You have to pay a monthly premium for Part A, and you didn’t sign up when you were first eligible. Part A is not free if you did not work long enough under Social Security, and you aren’t eligible on the record of a spouse. Note: If you’re not eligible for Part A at no cost, you can have Part B without buying Part A.
How do I sign up for Part B during the GEP?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is in charge of the Medicare program. However, we process applications for Parts A and B. You can complete the CMS 40B – Application for Enrollment in Medicare-Part B and fax, mail, or drop off the completed form at your local Social Security office. Or you can make a video, phone, or in-person appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m
After you sign up for Part B, you can also pick a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D). You sign up with a private insurance company, not Social Security.
When will my Part B start?
Your Part B coverage starts the first day of the month after you enroll. For example, if you sign up anytime in February, your Part B coverage begins March 1. You’ll get a new Medicare card in the mail.
The Part B premium will be deducted from your Social Security benefits. If you don’t receive Social Security, you’ll get a bill from Medicare. The standard Part B premium for 2025 is $185 a month, and some people with higher incomes pay more. You may also have to pay a penalty for delayed enrollment.
How much is the penalty?
Your Part B premium will go up 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B but didn’t sign up for it. The penalty continues for as long as you have Medicare with 2 exceptions. You won’t pay a penalty if:
- You have limited income and you’re eligible for a Medicare Savings Program.
- You receive Social Security disability benefits, and you’ve reached age 65.
You may also have a late enrollment penalty for Part D.
To learn more, visit Avoid late enrollment penalties at Medicare.gov. For other information, visit our Medicare webpage and read our Medicare publication.
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Eric
I have VA and TriCare for life. I hear about getting money back from Medicare to SS check since my care comes mainly from the VA. What is the truth?
Rita H.
What is Medicare Savings Program? Who qualifies? What does it cover?
S.S.
Hi Rita. Thanks for reading our blog. You may qualify to get help from your state through the Medicare Savings Programs. You’ll apply for Medicare Savings Programs through your state. When you apply, your state determines which program(s) you qualify for. Even if you don’t think you qualify, you should still apply. You can find more information here. You should also contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) to discuss your options. We hope this helps.
Lisa S.
I was told that I should get part A and part B wasn’t required as I am working and have much better insurance than part B at a much lower cost . I don’t understand why You are saying that I have to get part B or be penalized.
Harry D.
I have the same condition and don’t understand it either. I have searched everywhere for this information and cannot find any explanation
Luiz S.
There are exceptions for the penalization for late application to Part B.
The same is true for Part A that is not free. Part A is free if you paid enough Medicare tax while working. Free Part A has no late fee.
You can check the site:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/when-does-medicare-coverage-start.
Kathy
NO ONE should be penalized if they do not sign up right away for any portion of Medicare
That’s just a bunch of sh..
And why do ppl need to get a supplemental – Medicare should pay for all health coverage –
Time to update
Increase
And consolidate
We have the money
But we give it to everyone except our citizens
REFORM REFORM REFORM
Jennifer F.
Non citizens do NOT get any money from social security. In fact they pay into programs but get no benefit. Stop regurgitating Fox and look at facts, because facts still matter.
Harry D.
Explain your comment, Jennifer. How do non-citizens pay into the system & receive no benefit? Bashing Fox is funny when you consider the news reported by NBC/ABC. And yes our country takes money from its citizens, gives it to non-citizens then penalizes the citizens in Soc Sec, whether you watch FOX or not.
Kathy J.
I agree with you! The system needs to change for those who have paid in all these years and are still strugling to make ends meet.