Enrolling in Medicare for the first time? You’ll want to know this to get your benefits

Are you planning to enroll in Medicare for the first time?

You can sign up only during specified times of the year. Enrollment is done through Social Security, although some people with retirement or disability benefits will find themselves automatically enrolled in the health insurance once they turn 65.

Here’s what to know:

When should you enroll in Medicare?

People usually sign up for Medicare when they turn 65 to avoid coverage gaps and avoid late enrollment penalty fees. But those who are working or have a working spouse might decide to stay on the employer’s health insurance.

The initial enrollment period for Medicare starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after you turn 65. If you sign up before the month of your 65th birthday, your coverage will start the month you turn 65, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. If you sign up for the health insurance the month you turn 65 or in the three months after, your coverage will start the following month.

People can also sign up for Medicare during the general enrollment period, which runs Jan. 1 through March 31 each year. But keep in mind there’s a chance you might have to pay a late enrollment penalty. Coverage starts the month after you sign up.

Important note: Don’t confuse this general enrollment period with the Medicare open enrollment period that starts in October and is for people who already have a Medicare plan and want to make coverage changes.

READ MORE: Should you get original Medicare or an Advantage plan? Know this before you enroll

Medicare also has special enrollment periods for certain life events — if you moved back to the U.S. after living overseas, lost your Medicaid coverage, or stopped working and no longer have health insurance through your employer. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more.

How to enroll in Medicare

People who apply for retirement or disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board and start getting benefits at least four months before turning 65 are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and B) once you turn 65, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. People who live in Puerto Rico or outside the U.S. would still need to sign up for Part B.

Everyone else has to enroll in Medicare through Social Security, either at your local Social Security office, calling Social Security at 800-772-1213, or using the online portal, which is the easiest and fastest way to sign up.

READ NEXT: Do you need medical care? A community health center could be an option. How to find one

What documents do you need to apply for Medicare?

If you want to enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), you’ll need to contact the Social Security Administration. This is the information the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says you should have available:

▪ Your Social Security number

▪ Where you were born (city, county, state)

▪ The start and end dates of any group health plans in which you’re enrolled. If you’ve enrolled for a 65-plus group health plan ahead of time, make sure to have the start and end date.

▪ A valid email address and your existing Medicare number, although the federal agency notes this information is only needed for people who want to enroll in Part B (medical insurance.)

If you have questions

If you have questions about Medicare, call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). TTY users can call 877-486-2048.

You can also contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs SHINE Program, which provides free Medicare and health insurance counseling and information to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers. Call 800-96-ELDER or email information@elderaffairs.org. For TTY, call 800-955-8770.