Do I Have to Apply for Medicare Every Year?

Do You Need to Reapply for Medicare Annually?

For most people already enrolled in Medicare, you do not have to apply again every year. Your Parts A and B coverage typically continues automatically as long as you keep paying your Part B premium. However, if you are new to Medicare or missed your initial window, you will need to apply during a specific enrollment period, and that is not an annual event you can repeat at will.

When Medicare Renewals or Changes Are Required

Even though you do not reapply, there are annual tasks that affect your coverage and costs:

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7 each year, you can switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare or change your Part D prescription drug plan.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: From January 1 to March 31, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or move back to Original Medicare.
• Part B Premiums: You must continue paying your premium; failing to do so can result in a late enrollment penalty and a coverage lapse.
• Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA): If your income rises, your Part B and Part D premiums may increase based on your tax return from two years prior.

Who Must Apply and When

You must apply if you are turning 65 and are not yet receiving Social Security, or if you qualify due to a disability but have not yet enrolled. Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months: three months before your birth month, your birth month, and three months after. If you miss this window, you may face a late enrollment penalty for Part B and have to wait for a General Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31, with coverage starting July 1.

What Happens If You Do Nothing

If you are already on Medicare and do nothing during AEP, your existing plan generally renews automatically. But if you are new to Medicare and do not apply during your Initial Enrollment Period, you risk both a permanent premium penalty and a delay in coverage that can leave you uninsured for months.