As soon as you become eligible for Medicare, you can join Part A. You can sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). You can also join later on, but only at certain times of the year, unless you qualify for an exception. View a Road Map for your specific situation to help guide you through enrollment.
Important: If you don’t qualify for no-premium Part A benefits, and you don’t enroll in Part A when you first become eligible for Medicare, your Part A premium could be higher.
How do you sign up for Medicare Part A?
- If you are receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroard Retirement Board (RRB) when you become eligible, in most cases you’ll be automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
- If you’re not receiving Social Security benefits, you can sign up for Part A at your local Social Security office.
Can Medicare Part A refuse to cover you or delay your coverage?
Assuming you are eligible for Medicare, you can’t be refused Part A because of your medical history or a pre-existing illness. The time when your coverage begins depends on when you sign up. If you sign up promptly at the start of your
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), your coverage will begin on the first day of the month you become eligible.
How does Medicare renewal work for Part A?
Your Medicare Part A coverage renews automatically from year to year. You don’t have to do anything.