How to Sign Up for Medicare Part B and Pay Your Bill When You're Not Receiving Social Security

Most people assume Medicare happens automatically at 65. For many it does — but not if you haven't started collecting Social Security yet. If that's you, you must actively sign up and then pay your Part B premium directly to Medicare each quarter. This guide walks you through every step.

Why Automatic Enrollment Doesn't Apply to You

When you collect Social Security benefits at least 4 months before turning 65, the government automatically enrolls you in Medicare Parts A and B and deducts the premium from your monthly check. Simple.

But automatic enrollment does NOT happen if any of these apply:

• You haven't applied for Social Security retirement benefits yet
• You're delaying Social Security past 65 to earn delayed retirement credits
• You receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) only — SSI alone does not trigger Medicare enrollment
• You're still on an active employer group health plan
• You live outside the U.S. — residents of Puerto Rico and foreign countries must actively elect Part B

Know Your Enrollment Window — Timing Is Everything

Missing your window can trigger a permanent late penalty added to your premium for life. Three windows apply depending on your situation:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — 7 Months

Your IEP centers on your 65th birthday month. It starts 3 months before your birthday month and ends 3 months after.

⭐ Best move: Sign up in the 3 months BEFORE your birthday month — coverage starts Day 1 of your birthday month. Wait until your birthday month and coverage shifts to the following month.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

Covered by an active employer plan past 65? You get an 8-month SEP starting the month your employer coverage ends. No late penalty applies if you enroll in this window.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

Missed your IEP and don't qualify for SEP? You can enroll January 1 – March 31 each year. Coverage begins July 1 — and a late penalty will apply.

How to Sign Up: Your Three Options

All Medicare Part A and B enrollments go through the Social Security Administration (SSA.gov) — not Medicare directly. Pick the option that works best for you:

Option 1: Online at SSA.gov

Fastest option. Takes 10–15 minutes. Available 24/7. Apply for Medicare Only — no need to claim retirement benefits.

Option 2: Call SSA

Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday–Friday, 8am–7pm local time.

Option 3: Visit an SSA Office

Find your office at SSA.gov/locator. Make an appointment. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of health coverage.

Enrolling After Employer Coverage Ends (SEP)

If you're using the Special Enrollment Period because your employer plan is ending, follow these steps:

1. Apply online or call SSA — The online SEP application is available at SSA.gov when ending job-based coverage.
2. Get Form CMS-L564 from your employer — Request Employment Information form. Your employer verifies your prior coverage dates. If they can't complete it, fill out Section B yourself and attach proof of coverage.
3. Submit to your local SSA office — Fax or mail the completed CMS-L564 to your local office.
4. Watch for your Medicare card — You'll receive a welcome package with your red, white, and blue Medicare card before your coverage start date.

2026 Part B Premium & IRMAA Brackets

The 2026 standard Part B premium is $202.90/month (up $17.90 from 2025). The annual deductible is $283 (up $26 from 2025).

If your income exceeds certain thresholds, you'll pay more through the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). For 2026, IRMAA is based on your 2024 federal tax return:

2024 Individual Income	2024 MFJ Income	2026 Monthly Premium	Annual Cost
$109,000 or less	$218,000 or less	$202.90	$2,434.80
$109,001 – $137,000	$218,001 – $274,000	$284.10	$3,409.20
$137,001 – $171,000	$274,001 – $342,000	$405.80	$4,869.60
$171,001 – $206,000	$342,001 – $412,000	$527.50	$6,330.00
$206,001 – $500,000	$412,001 – $750,000	$649.20	$7,790.40
Above $500,000	Above $750,000	$689.90	$8,278.80

4 Ways to Pay Your Part B Bill

Medicare will mail you a quarterly CMS-500 bill. You have four payment options:

🔄 Medicare Easy Pay (Autopay) — Recommended

Set up recurring automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month. Enroll online at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Never miss a payment.

🌐 Medicare.gov Account

Log in at Medicare.gov/account/login to pay by debit card, credit card, or bank account. View bill history and payment status anytime.

🏦 Bank Online Bill Pay

Add "Medicare Premium Collection Center" as a payee in your bank's online system. Schedule payments from checking or savings.

✉️ Mail a Check

Make payable to "Medicare Premium Collection Center." Write your Medicare number on the check. Mail to the address on your CMS-500 bill.

What Happens When You Eventually Start Social Security?

Once you begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits, SSA will automatically switch your Part B premium to a monthly deduction from your Social Security check. The quarterly CMS-500 billing will stop. You don't need to do anything — it happens automatically when SSA processes your retirement application.

Your Quick-Reference Checklist

• ✅ Sign up 3 months before your 65th birthday through SSA.gov, phone, or in person
• ✅ If ending employer coverage, submit Form CMS-L564 with proof of prior coverage
• ✅ Watch for your Medicare welcome package and red, white & blue card in the mail
• ✅ Expect your first CMS-500 quarterly bill — may cover 3 or 4 months
• ✅ Set up Medicare Easy Pay (autopay) immediately to avoid coverage loss
• ✅ Check your IRMAA bracket if your 2024 income exceeded $109,000 individual / $218,000 MFJ
• ✅ When you start Social Security, billing shifts automatically to monthly withholding

Sources: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS.gov), Social Security Administration (SSA.gov), Medicare.gov. Premium and IRMAA figures reflect 2026 rates released by CMS on November 14, 2025. IRMAA brackets based on 2024 federal tax return income.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Dalton Insurance Agency is not affiliated with the federal government or the Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 10 organizations which offer 450 products. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

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