If you’re nearing Medicare eligibility, it’s important for you to learn the basics of making the transition to Medicare. First and foremost, you need to know that there are certain periods where you will be able to enroll in Medicare. One important period includes your Initial Enrollment Period, which will start three months before your 65th birthday month. You won’t want to miss enrolling in Medicare during this period because you may have to pay late enrollment penalties if you do. On the other hand, some people will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. To be automatically enrolled, you must be receiving Social Security benefits.