Sign up for Part B only

Part B helps pay for your basic healthcare services. If you already have Part A, you can add Part B during specific enrollment periods.

It's important to sign up promptly to avoid gaps in coverage or late enrollment penalties. Your coverage generally begins the first day of the month after you sign up.

When you're ending an employer group health plan

If you’ve been covered by an active employer group health plan (either yours or your spouse's) since turning 65, and it ended within the last 8 months, you can enroll in Part B without any penalty. This is considered a “Special Enrollment Period.” See exactly when to sign up.

Other times to sign up

When you have a special situation

In certain situations, Medicare offers different enrollment periods for a limited time. This allows you to sign up without penalties during these windows.

See if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on Medicare.gov

When you miss the enrollment periods above

You can apply during the "General Enrollment Period" each year between January 1 and March 31. There are often penalties when signing up at this time.

Complete and mail the Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B (CMS-40B) (PDF) to your local office.

Find office address