apply for medicare what to bring

What do you need to bring when applying for Medicare?

• Birth certificate. You typically need to be at least 65 years old to receive Medicare benefits, unless you have a...
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the U.S. for at least...
• Your Social Security card (if already receiving SSA benefits). If you are already...

Full Answer

What documents do I need to apply for Medicare in person?

When applying for Medicare in person, you’ll need to bring the following documents with you: An original copy of a document proving your age, such as a birth certificate, census record, or vaccine record – if possible, it should be from before you turned five

How do I enroll in Medicare?

Social Security and Medicare will already have all the information they need to process your enrollment. If you don’t receive any kind of Social Security benefits, you’ll need to provide documentation to enroll in Medicare. You can enroll online, over the phone, or in person at a Social Security office.

How can Social Security help you get Medicare documents?

Social Security can help you get copies of any documents you no longer have. When you apply for Medicare, you might need to provide some documents that show you’re eligible for the program.

Who is eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You’re first eligible to sign up for Medicare 3 months before you turn 65. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease).

What do you need to bring when applying for Medicare?

What do you need to bring when applying for Medicare?Birth certificate. ... Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. ... Your Social Security card (if already receiving SSA benefits) ... Health insurance information. ... Tax information. ... Military documents. ... Part B enrollment application.

What is the first step in applying for Medicare?

Step 1: Find out if you need to sign up for Medicare Part A or B.Step 2: Decide if you want Medicare Part B benefits.Step 3: Decide if you want extra coverage with Medicare.Step 4: Decide if you want Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage.

What are 3 ways to qualify for Medicare?

Generally, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant).

When should I start applying for Medicare?

Generally, we advise people to file for Medicare benefits 3 months before age 65. Remember, Medicare benefits can begin no earlier than age 65. If you are already receiving Social Security, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B without an additional application.

Will I automatically be enrolled in Medicare when I turn 65?

Yes. If you are receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for parts A and B of Medicare. (Medicare is operated by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but Social Security handles enrollment.)

How does Medicare work when you turn 65?

You can sign up for Part A any time after you turn 65. Your Part A coverage starts 6 months back from when you sign up or when you apply for benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board). Coverage can't start earlier than the month you turned 65.

Is Medicare Part A and B free?

While Medicare Part A – which covers hospital care – is free for most enrollees, Part B – which covers doctor visits, diagnostics, and preventive care – charges participants a premium. Those premiums are a burden for many seniors, but here's how you can pay less for them.

How much does Medicare cost at age 62?

Reaching age 62 can affect your spouse's Medicare premiums He can still receive Medicare Part A, but he will have to pay a monthly premium for it. In 2020, the Medicare Part A premium can be as high as $458 per month.

What is Part B on Medicare?

Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem. Cost: If you have Part B, you pay a Part B premium each month.

What do I need to do before I turn 65?

Turning 65 Soon? Here's a Quick Retirement ChecklistPrepare for Medicare. ... Consider Additional Health Insurance. ... Review Your Social Security Benefits Plan. ... Plan Ahead for Long-Term Care Costs. ... Review Your Retirement Accounts and Investments. ... Update Your Estate Planning Documents.

Do you have to enroll in Medicare every year?

In general, once you're enrolled in Medicare, you don't need to take action to renew your coverage every year. This is true whether you are in Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medicare prescription drug plan.

Do you automatically get Medicare with Social Security?

You automatically get Medicare because you're getting benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board). Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

What is the best way to apply for Medicare?

The best way to apply for Medicare is online at socialsecurity.gov or by speaking with a representative at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, b...

How long does it take for a Medicare application to be approved?

Depending on the application method that you choose, approval by phone, mail, or online can take 30 to 60 days. However, applications can be proces...

What do I need to do to enroll in Medicare?

You will need basic information and documentation such as your Social Security card, citizenship status, birth certificate, earnings statements, fe...

Is it mandatory to go on Medicare when you turn 65?

No, it’s not mandatory to go on Medicare when you turn 65. However, declining the federal benefit can end up being complicated in certain scenarios...

How much does Medicare cost at 65 years old?

Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A. The premium for Part B is currently $148.50, but it can be more if you have a high income. The...

Medicare Eligibility

Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare lasts for seven months, starting three months before you reach the age of 65 and ending three months after. Eligibility for Medicare benefits is available for people age 65 and older.

What to Bring When Applying for Medicare

If you’re collecting Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare. You won’t need to dig up any documents to apply. The same goes for being eligible due to collecting SSDI after 24 months.

Documents for Medicare Advantage and Medigap

Whether you sign up for Medicare Advantage or Medigap, you’ll need both your Medicare number and the date your Original Medicare coverage started. This information will be on your Medicare card. You can also access this information through your dashboard on the Social Security website if you created an account to enroll.

What If I Lost My Documents?

If you lost your documents or can’t locate them, you still have time to obtain new copies before applying for Medicare. This involves contacting your state or local offices for copies of records and other documents that you might not have readily available. Here’s how you can obtain new copies.

Enrolling in Medicare

Once you’ve got all of your documents in order, you’re ready to apply! To get started, check out my guide: How to Apply for Medicare.

How to apply for medicare over the phone?

By phone. Call 1-800-772-1213 between 7am and 7pm Monday through Friday to apply over the phone. If you are hard of hearing, you may dial 1-800-325-0778. In person. Visit your local Social Security office to apply for Medicare in person. If you're eligible for or enrolled in Medicare and you want to compare your Medicare plan options, ...

When do you start enrolling in Medicare?

However, you may begin the enrollment process three months before turning 65, which is when your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) typically begins. Learn more about the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period.

How long does it take to sign up for Medicare?

You may apply for Medicare online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. The application process typically takes no more than 10 minutes to complete. By phone.

Do you have to provide military records for Medicare?

There are some specific rules concerning Medicare and veteran’s health insurance benefits, and you may have to provide records of your military service if you are receiving any such military or veteran’s benefits.

Is Medicare Part C the same as Original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) provide the same benefits as Original Medicare, and many plans may offer additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. If you are eligible for Original Medicare, you may also be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare basics

Start here. Learn the parts of Medicare, how it works, and what it costs.

Sign up

First, you’ll sign up for Parts A and B. Find out when and how to sign up, and when coverage starts.

If you already receive benefits from Social Security

If you already get benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you are automatically entitled to Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) starting the first day of the month you turn age 65. You will not need to do anything to enroll.

If you are not getting Social Security benefits

If you are not getting Social Security benefits, you can apply for retirement benefits online. If you would like to file for Medicare only, you can apply by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If you are under age 65 and disabled

If you are under age 65 and disabled, and have been entitled to disability benefits under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months, you will be automatically entitled to Medicare Part A and Part B beginning the 25th month of disability benefit entitlement. You will not need to do anything to enroll in Medicare.

How to enroll in Medicare online?

Applying for Medicare online. If your situation is relatively straightforward, applying online can be your best option. Here are the steps to follow: Be sure you meet the qualifications. Go to https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib. Follow the instructions on the website.

What happens after you apply for Medicare?

No matter how you applied, once your application is complete, the Social Security office will send you a copy of the information it has on record regarding your application. Be sure to double-check this document for any mistakes, as this is your chance to correct it.

How long does it take to apply for medicare?

You can apply for Medicare in one of three ways: Online: This method is the easiest and quickest way to apply, taking ten to thirty minutes. By telephone: If you want to talk to a human but from the convenience of your home.

When is Medicare enrollment period?

If you miss your sign-up window for Medicare Part A and Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, there is also a General Enrollment Period every year from January 1 to March 31.

How to check my Social Security number?

Just follow these simple steps. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Follow the menu instructions. You will need to navigate the automated menu by saying “Medicare” and then entering identifying information about yourself such as your Social Security number.

What is Part A insurance?

Part A is known as hospital insurance and covers services like a room, meals, nursing services, and treatment in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Most people do not have to pay premiums for Part A because of the payroll taxes paid during their working career.

What age can I get medicare?

Decide in advance which parts of Medicare you want to use. Medicare is available to Americans ages 65 or older and those who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, there are a few steps you’ll need to take once you become eligible.

How long do you have to sign up for Medicare if you stopped?

If you delayed Medicare enrollment for an approved reason, you can enroll during a special enrollment period. If you stop other insurance coverage, you have 8 months from the end of your coverage or the end of your employment to sign up without penalty.

How long does it take to get a Medigap plan?

Medigap enrollment. This 6-month period starts after the first day of the month that you apply for original Medicare or from your 65th birthday. If you miss this enrollment period, you may not be able to get a Medigap plan. If you do get one later, you may pay higher premiums, especially if you have health conditions.

What is Medicare Part D?

These plans cover everything that parts A and B do, often with additional coverage included. Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Medigap. Medigap is supplemental insurance that pays the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare parts A and B, like copayments and deductibles.

What happens if you miss Medicare enrollment?

If you miss an enrollment period, you may pay extra fees, and some of these penalties last as long as you have Medicare. Medicare enrollment periods include: Initial enrollment period. This is the 7-month window just before, during, and after your 65th birthday, when you can first enroll in Medicare.

What to do if you don't receive Social Security?

If you don’t receive Social Security benefits, you should do the following: Check to make sure you’re eligible for Medicare. You can do this online by creating a My Social Security account or by calling Social Security. Make sure you know when your enrollment window begins and ends.

When is the open enrollment period for Medicare?

Open enrollment period (October 15–December 7). During this time, you can switch from original Medicare (parts A and B) to Part C (Medicare Advantage), or from Part C back to original Medicare. You can also switch Part C plans or add, remove, or change a Part D plan. General enrollment period (January 1–March 31).