Get ready to enroll in Medicare
If you’re considering a Blue Shield of California Medicare plan, we’re here to help make the process simple. And if you still need to enroll in Original Medicare, we can guide you through the next steps.
Blue Shield Medicare plans are available to people who have enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Call Social Security at (800) 772-1213, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday. TTY users should call (800) 325-0778. You can also visit your local Social Security office.
If you have health insurance through your employer or your spouse’s employer, check your options before signing up for Part B. Depending on your coverage, you may not need Part B and can avoid paying the monthly premium. Ask your benefits administrator or HR representative for help in choosing the right option for you. Or call Blue Shield of California toll free at (855) 900-5901*. We’re here to help.
Original Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of all medical expenses. That’s why many people choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or get additional coverage to help lower their out-of-pocket costs.
How to find a Blue Shield Medicare plan
Enter your ZIP code to see Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans available in your area.
Find plans in your area
We’ve sent you an email with a link and all the relevant information for the event.
- Enroll online
- Call us at (844) 345-8052 (TTY: 711)* to connect with a Blue Shield Medicare Advisor, or book an appointment online.
Things to prepare before you enroll:
- Your personal details
- Your current coverage details
- Your medical record
- Basic financial information
- Know if you want to apply for the Extra Help or Medicare Savings Program
Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This period begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after.
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This period typically begins when your employment coverage ends.
You can keep your existing employee health coverage or switch to a Medicare plan. If you want to switch, you must enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period.
When to enroll in Medicare
Will I be automatically enrolled in Medicare when I turn 65?
If you’re receiving Social Security benefits at 65, you will be auto enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, also known as Original Medicare.
If you’re not yet receiving Social Security and need to enroll, call Social Security at (800) 772-1213, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday. TTY users should call (800) 325-0778. Or visit your local Social Security office.
Avoid late penalties while enrolling in Medicare Part B:
When you retire, you’ll have a limited time to enroll for Medicare Part B coverage without incurring a late enrollment penalty. Here are ways to avoid incurring a penalty:
- Enroll in Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period
- If you have employer coverage, confirm that it qualifies as creditable coverage for Medicare Part B
- If you’re losing coverage, enroll during your Special Enrollment Period
Learn more about Medicare enrollment penalties on Medicare.gov
How to enroll in Medicare beyond the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Learn about enrolling in Original Medicare and other Medicare Plans including Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug Plans, and Medicare Supplement plans. Learn about and compare plans.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The AEP is a time when you can make changes to your existing Medicare coverage each year.
- The AEP is open each year from October 15 to December 7
- You can change your Medicare coverage. For example, switching to a Medicare Advantage plan or adding a Medicare Supplement plan
- You can enroll in Medicare during an AEP, but you might be charged a penalty fee for missing your IEP
- Changes you make during AEP go into effect January 1 of the next year.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
A Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) doesn’t start on a specific calendar date. Instead, it begins when you have a qualifying life event, such as losing employer-sponsored health coverage, moving to a new address, or qualifying for Extra Help.
- The SEP begins the month after your group, employer, union coverage, or the employment ends
- The life event and your circumstances may determine what kind of changes you can make during your SEP and how long it lasts. Get the details about SEPs on Medicare.gov
- If you enroll in Medicare during an SEP, you do not have to pay a late enrollment penalty
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA-OEP)
If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to Original Medicare, Prescription Drug Plan, or a Medicare Supplement plan between January 1 and March 31 each year.
- Coverage begins the first of the month that follows your sign up
- You might be charged a penalty fee for failing to enroll during your IEP
- HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) is a free, unbiased Medicare counseling service funded by the state of California.
- HICAP volunteers can help you understand your Medicare options, compare plans, and resolve billing issues.
- If you have limited income and resources, the California Medicare Savings Programs may help pay your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays.
- You might automatically qualify for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) to reduce Part D costs.
Get a free copy of Your Guided Path to Medicare Coverage.
Learn about Medicare and your coverage options.
Attend an in-person Medicare event in your area or an online webinar to learn more.
Find plans in your area
We’ve sent you an email with a link and all the relevant information for the event.
1 Applicants may be subject to medical underwriting. See the Guaranteed acceptance guide.
Blue Shield of California is an HMO, HMO D-SNP, and a PDP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the California State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in Blue Shield of California depends on contract renewal.
Y0118_26_154B_M Accepted 05242026 - placeholder compliance codes
H2819_26_154B_M Accepted 05242026 - placeholder compliance codes
Page last updated: 7/27/2026