Your next chance to sign up
The General Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31 each year. Sign up through Social Security online, at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or at an Ohio Social Security office. Part B starts the first day of the month after you sign up.
Before using it, check whether you qualify for a special enrollment period instead, which may avoid both the wait and the penalty:
- Group coverage from your or your spouse's current job ended within the last 8 months.
- You lost Ohio Medicaid coverage.
- A government or employer error, or a declared disaster, kept you from signing up.
- You were serving abroad as a volunteer, or were released from incarceration.
The penalties
| Part | Penalty | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Part B | 10% of the standard premium ($202.90 in 2026) for each full 12 months you could have had Part B | Usually as long as you have Part B |
| Part D | 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($38.99 in 2026) for each full month without creditable drug coverage, after 63 days in a row | Usually as long as you have Part D |
| Part A (only if you pay a premium) | 10% higher premium | Twice the number of years you could have had it |
Estimate yours with the late enrollment penalty calculator.
Ohio situations to watch
- Public retirees without Social Security aren't enrolled automatically, so missing the window is a common Ohio mistake. Your retirement system may also stop paying for your coverage if you don't have Part B; STRS Ohio, for example, requires it. See Ohio public retirement systems and Medicare.
- Medigap: Ohio's 6-month Medigap open enrollment starts when you're 65 and Part B begins, even if you sign up late. Ohio has no birthday rule, so use that window.
Not sure which window applies? You can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. See Medicare enrollment periods.
Related questions
Do I need Part B if I'm still working at 65?
When job coverage protects you.
How do I sign up for Medicare in Ohio?
Online, by phone or in person.
What are the Medicare deadlines for 2027?
Every date in one place.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Avoid late enrollment penalties
- Medicare.gov — When does Medicare coverage start?
- Social Security — Sign up for Medicare
- eCFR — 42 CFR Part 407, Part B enrollment and special enrollment periods
- Ohio Administrative Code 3307:1-11-03 — STRS Ohio medical plan
More questions in this guide
- Can I get Medicare before 65 in Ohio?
- Do I need Medicare Part B if I'm still working at 65 in Ohio?
- How do I sign up for Medicare in Ohio?
- What are the Medicare deadlines in Ohio for 2027?
- What happens to my Medicare if I move to Ohio?
- When should I sign up for Medicare if I'm turning 65 in Ohio?
Part of the guide: Medicare enrollment periods in Ohio · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I avoid the penalty if I had job coverage?
Yes. If you or your spouse had group coverage from current work at an employer with 20 or more employees, you qualify for a special enrollment period and owe no Part B penalty if you sign up within 8 months after that job or coverage ends. COBRA and retiree coverage don't count.
What if someone gave me wrong information?
If a federal employee or your employer's or health plan's representative gave you incorrect information, or another exceptional circumstance kept you from enrolling, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. Ask Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and keep any written proof.
Can Ohio help pay a penalty?
If you qualify for one of Ohio's Medicare Premium Assistance Programs, the state pays your Part B premium, which covers the penalty amount too. People who get Extra Help don't pay the Part D penalty. Apply at benefits.ohio.gov.
Medicare in your Ohio county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Franklin · Cuyahoga · Hamilton · Summit · Montgomery · Lucas · Butler · Stark · Lorain · Warren · Delaware · Lake · Mahoning · Clermont · Trumbull · Licking · Medina · Greene · Fairfield · Portage · All 88 counties →
