What is the latest date to apply for Medicare Part A?

The deadline to apply for Medicare Part A usually is based around a person's birthday. The seven-month registration period begins three months before the birthday month and ends three months after the birthday month, notes Medicare.gov. For example, someone with an April birthday can apply Jan. 1 to July 31.

There are some exceptions to the typical registration period. Individuals who miss their assigned registration period can apply Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. Employees who don't apply for Part A because they have workplace health insurance can apply for Medicare up to eight months after they leave their jobs, according to Medicare.gov. Individuals who are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits when they turn 65 are enrolled in Medicare automatically.