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In this case you may not need to apply for Medicare Part B at age 65. You may have medical insurance coverage under a group health plan based on your or your spouse's current employment. If so, you may want to ask your personnel office or insurance company how signing up for Medicare will affect you. You may have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or health insurance based on current employment. Read our publication Medicare for more information. Your coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up. If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B during your IEP, you have another chance each year to sign up during the “ General Enrollment Period” (GEP) from January 1 through March 31. This does not apply if you qualify for a " Special Enrollment Period" (SEP). Your monthly premium will go up 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B, but didn’t sign up for it. You may have to pay a higher monthly premium for as long as you have Part B. If you choose not to sign up for Medicare Part B but then decide to do so later, your coverage could be delayed. The first day of the month after you sign up. The month you reach age 65, or one to three months after you reach age 65 The following chart shows when your Medicare Part B becomes effective in 2023: Beginning in 2023, if you enroll in this month of your IEP Three months after the month of enrollment. Two or three months after you reach age 65 Two months after the month of enrollment. One month after the month you turn age 65. One to three months before you reach age 65 The following chart shows when your Medicare Part B becomes effective in 2022: In 2022, if you sign up during this month of your IEP Beginning January 1, 2023, if you sign up during the month you turn 65 or during the last three months of your IEP, your coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up.
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Note: Important Upcoming Change – Rules for 2023 and later: If you accept the automatic enrollment in Medicare Part B or if you sign up during the first three months of your IEP, your coverage will start the month you’re first eligible. If you’re eligible at age 65, your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn age 65, and ends three months after that birthday. Because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can turn it down. With our online application, you can sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. Should I Sign Up For Medical Insurance (Part B)? To learn more, read Medicare Premiums: Rules For Higher-Income Beneficiaries. Some beneficiaries with higher incomes will pay a higher monthly Part B premium. You can sign up for Medicare medical insurance (Part B) by paying a monthly premium. Most people age 65 or older are eligible for free Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) if they have worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough.
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