Deadlines, penalties and first choices when you become eligible for Medicare. Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.
- Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period, month by month
When your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period starts and ends, when coverage begins depending on when you sign up, and what to do at each step.
- The Part B late enrollment penalty: 10% for every year, for life
How the Part B penalty is calculated, what it costs at 2026 premium levels, who is exempt, and how the Special Enrollment Period works after employer coverage.
- Your one-time Medigap open enrollment: why the six months after Part B matter most
How the federal Medigap open enrollment period works, what guaranteed issue means, and the situations that give you another chance later.
- Working past 65: when to take Medicare and when to wait
How employer size affects whether Medicare pays first, HSA contribution rules, the Part B Special Enrollment Period, and a checklist for leaving work.