At what age does a person first become eligible to enroll in Medicare?

Medicare eligibility begins at age 65, and the initial enrollment period starts three months before your 65th birthday month and extends three months after it, giving you a 7-month window to enroll without penalty. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, Part B covers outpatient services and doctor visits, Part C (Medicare Advantage) is private insurance offered as an alternative, and Part D covers prescription drugs. Delaying enrollment in Part B without qualifying other coverage can result in a permanent late enrollment penalty of 10% per year of delay.