When Can I Start Getting Medicare Benefits? 
Medicare Part A and/or B benefits can start when you turn 65 . You can sign up during the 7 month period that begins three months before turning 65 , includes the month you turn 65 , and ends three months after the month in which you turned 65 . This is called your Initial Enrollment Period . If you sign up for Medicare Part A and/or B during the first three months of your Initial Enrollment Period , your coverage -LRB- in most cases -RRB- starts the first day of your birthday month . If , however , your birthday falls on the first day of the month , your Medicare coverage will begin the first day of the prior month . 