There is a 7-month initial time window -- the three months before the month of your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the three months after. If you apply before your birthday month, then Medicare coverage begins the first day of that month. For example, if you were born April 10, then coverage would begin April 1 if your application was processed before April.
Whatever you do, do not delay in obtaining Medicare when you are 65.
My Mom had delayed getting Medicare at 65, she waited until 69 because she had such good coverage through my Dad's health insurance at his work place [Dad was a few years younger]. Thus Mom was charged a penalty. This happened decades ago, so I don't know if the penalty is still alive and well for others.
My Mom had delayed getting Medicare at 65, she waited until 69 because she had such good coverage through my Dad's health insurance at his work place [Dad was a few years younger]. Thus Mom was charged a penalty. This happened decades ago, so I don't know if the penalty is still alive and well for others.