Signup Window Dates

Clara Whitfield

Your first window to sign up for Part A and Part B lasts seven months. Pick the month you turn 65, and this tool names all seven.

We don't ask for the year, your birth date, your ZIP code, who you are, or anything about your health. The month is all the tool needs.

Your choices

What you'll see

Your seven months. Three months before the month you turn 65, that month, and three months after. If you ticked the box, the window starts four months before and ends two months after, as Medicare.gov describes it.

When Part B starts, by signup month (box not ticked):

• Sign up in any of the 3 months before your birthday month: Part B starts on the 1st of your birthday month.
• Sign up in your birthday month or any of the 3 months after: Part B starts on the 1st of the next month.

If you ticked the box: "Medicare.gov says that when your birthday is on the 1st, coverage generally starts the first day of the month before you turn 65."

Each result ends with this line: "Source: Medicare.gov: When does Medicare coverage start?, read Nov 10, 2026."

Every result also shows: "Still working, or covered by a spouse's job? Read Still working at 65 first. You may be able to wait on Part B."

Example

You turn 65 in June, and your birthday is June 14.

• Your seven months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September.
• Sign up in March, April or May: Part B starts June 1.
• Sign up in June: July 1. July: August 1. August: September 1. September: October 1.

Same example with a June 1 birthday: your seven months run February through August.

Please note

The tool follows Medicare.gov's general rule. It doesn't know your work, health or coverage history, and it can't tell you what to choose. For help with your own case, find your state's SHIP counselors.

Saved when you press the button

Press Show my window, and two answers are kept: your month and the 1st-of-the-month box. The tool keeps nothing more. See our privacy page.