Will I be enrolled in Medicare automatically?
Yes, if you already get Social Security. Otherwise, you have to apply.
Whether you're enrolled in Medicare automatically depends on one thing: whether you're already getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before you turn 65.
Who is enrolled automatically
Your Medicare card is mailed about 3 months before your coverage starts. If it doesn't arrive, contact Social Security.
- People who get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits at least 4 months before turning 65. Coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65.
- People under 65 who have received Social Security disability benefits (or certain Railroad Retirement disability benefits) for 24 months.
- People with ALS, as soon as their disability benefits start.
Who has to apply
If you haven't started Social Security benefits by 65, which is common now that full retirement age is later than 65, you need to sign up yourself. People with ESRD also need to apply.
Declining Part B
Automatic enrollment includes Part B, which has a premium. If you have group health coverage through your own or your spouse's current job and want to delay Part B, follow the instructions that come with your card to decline it. Make sure your employer coverage lets you delay safely first; our guides to working past 65 and delaying Part B explain how.
What isn't automatic
Automatic enrollment gives you Parts A and B only. Drug coverage, Medigap and Medicare Advantage are separate choices you make yourself, and the Part D penalty can apply if you go without creditable drug coverage.
Common questions
No, you can decline it. But unless you have group coverage from current employment, declining can lead to a late enrollment penalty and a gap in coverage later.
Generally no. People with Medicaid or Extra Help may be placed in a drug plan if they don't choose one.
Want help with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
Sources
- Getting Medicare before 65 / automatic enrollment, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
- When can I sign up for Medicare?, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Quote My Policy does not sell Medicare plans on this site. For plan-specific help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.