If you turned 65 in 2023 (or are going to be 65 in 2024) and you haven’t started Social Security yet, now’s the time to apply for Medicare. Medicare has an open enrollment period each year from January 1 to March 31. If you apply for Medicare during this time, your benefits take effect July 1.
Determining when you must enroll in Medicare can be complicated. Depending on your situation, you may be automatically enrolled or you may have to proactively enroll. If you must follow the Initial Enrollment Period rules, there is the added complication of determining when coverage starts. We recommend using a consultant when enrolling in Medicare.
