Medicare Enrollment Guide

Medicare Part A (hospital) is free for most people with 40+ work credits. Part B (outpatient) costs $185/month in 2025. The Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months centered on your 65th birthday month. Missing it triggers a 10% permanent penalty per 12-month period for Part B, and 1% per month for Part D (drug coverage). If you have employer coverage at 65, you can delay without penalty — but COBRA and marketplace plans do not count as creditable coverage for this purpose.