Medicare Enrollment & Timing

• What is the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?The 7-month window around your 65th birthday — 3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after — when you first enroll in Medicare without penalty.
• I'm still working past 65. Can I delay Part B?Only if you have true employer group health coverage from active employment (yours or your spouse's, 20+ employees). In that case you get a Special Enrollment Period later. But TFL won't activate until you take Part B.
• I missed my Medicare enrollment window. Now what?Use the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31). You'll likely owe a Part B late penalty for life, and you'll have no TFL until Part B is effective.
• How do I actually enroll in Medicare?Apply online at SSA.gov/medicare/sign-up, by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. Online is fastest — most applications process in 1–2 weeks.
• What is the General Enrollment Period?January 1 – March 31 each year. It's the backup enrollment window for people who missed their IEP and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
• Do I need Medicare Part A if I have TRICARE?Yes. TFL requires Part A and Part B. Part A is typically premium-free if you or your spouse worked 40+ quarters paying Medicare taxes.
• Can I take Part A now and add Part B later?You can — but for TFL purposes, that's the same as not enrolling. TFL requires both A and B simultaneously. Without B, TFL is suspended.
• How long does Medicare enrollment take to process?Most online applications are approved in 1–3 weeks. SSA mails the Medicare card within about 30 days of approval.
• What is the 5-star Special Enrollment Period?A one-time-per-year chance (Dec 8 – Nov 30) to switch into a 5-star-rated Medicare Advantage or Part D plan in your area, outside the normal enrollment windows.
• What happens to Medicare if I move to another state?Original Medicare and TFL work in any state — no action needed. If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, moving triggers a Special Enrollment Period to switch plans.

Educational only — not insurance, legal, or tax advice. Verify with Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE), WPS (1-866-773-0404), SSA, or a licensed advisor before making enrollment decisions.