When can one apply for Medicare?

[question everything]

Is it the month that he turns 65, or does it have to be the end of the year, or the quarter, after one turns 65?

Thanks.

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. from the website:

If you are getting Social Security benefits when you turn 65, your Medicare hospital benefits start automatically.

If you are not getting Social Security, you should sign up for Medicare close to your 65th birthday, even if you aren't ready to retire.

http://www.ssa.gov/r&m2.htm

[question everything]

2. Thanks.

A friend of mine who is now 63.5 is considering quitting his job, buy into COBRA for 18 months and then enrolled in Medicare (he may have a problem tapping his dwindling IRA account, though..)

A good website to know as we are all approaching that mark.