If you did not apply for Medicare Part B when you were first eligible, you have another opportunity each year called the General Enrollment Period. 

Jack Myers with Social Security reminds it runs from January through March of each year and enrollment is effective the month after you enroll. Time is running out for the 2025 general enrollment period.

If you don’t enroll when first eligible, you may have to pay a higher premium once you do enroll. Myers explains your monthly premium will increase 10% for each 12-month period that you were eligible for Part B but did not sign up. 

If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part A, you can enroll in Part B by submitting a form CMS 40B to Social Security. Fax, mail, or drop your form off at your local SSA office by visiting ssa.gov/locator.

To find the form, visit www.ssa.gov, then click on Medicare at the top and Sign up for Medicare.