You‘re eligible to enroll in any part of Medicare in the months leading up to your 65th birthday. You may be able to enroll earlier than that if you have a disability or certain health conditions.

Part B covers the outpatient diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of medical conditions.

This includes visits to the emergency room, as well as preventive healthcare services like doctor’s visits, screening and diagnostic tests, and some vaccinations.

You automatically qualify for Part B once you turn 65 years old. Although you’ll need to wait to use your benefits until your 65th birthday, you can enroll:

  • 3 months before your 65th birthday
  • on your 65th birthday
  • 3 months after your 65th birthday

If you have a disability and are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability payments, you’re eligible to enroll in Medicare Part B, regardless of your age.

According to the Social Security Administration, qualifying disabilities may include:

  • blood disorders
  • brain injuries
  • cancer
  • congenital disorders that affect multiple parts of the body
  • heart disease
  • immune system disorders
  • impaired vision, hearing, or speech
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • mental health conditions
  • musculoskeletaldisorders
  • neurological disorders
  • respiratory conditions

If you have a diagnosis of end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), you’re eligible to enroll in Part B, even if you’re not 65 years old.

If you’re under age 65 and already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (parts A and B) when you turn 65.

Sometimes, you can choose to defer Part A, Part B, or both. However, this may lead to a loss of other coverage or late enrollment penalties.

If you’re not currently receiving these benefits, you’ll have to actively enroll in Medicare. You can enroll 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday. This is your initial enrollment period.

If you didn’t sign up for Medicare when you were first eligible, you can enroll from January 1 to March 31. This is known as general enrollment.

Part B is just one option available to Medicare beneficiaries. The best coverage for you depends on your medical and financial situations.

Part C

Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is offered by private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare.

Part C plans bundle parts A and B with prescription drug coverage (Part D). Part C plans often include vision, dental, hearing, and fitness benefits.

Part D

If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, you can add on a Part D plan to receive prescription drug coverage. If you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage, Part D is likely included with your plan.

If you don’t enroll in Part C, Part D, or equivalent drug coverage within 63 days of your initial Medicare enrollment, you’ll face a permanent late enrollment penalty.

Medigap

Medigap is another add-on for anyone enrolled in Original Medicare. Medigap is designed to help cover some costs associated with parts A and B, such as premiums, deductibles, and copays.

Part B eligibility begins for most Americans at age 65. Special qualifications, such as disabilities and certain medical conditions, may make you eligible to enroll in Part B early.

If you need more coverage than what Part B offers, additional coverage options include Part C, Part D, and Medigap.

If you’re interested in enrolling in Medicare coverage of any kind, pay close attention to the enrollment deadlines and visit the Social Security website to get started.