What documents do you need to sign up for Medicare?
When applying for Medicare in person, you’ll need to bring the following documents with you:
- Your Social Security card (or other proof of your SSN)
- 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
- Documentation proving legal residency, such as a U.S. ...
How early should you sign up for Medicare?
If you’re under 65 years old, you might be eligible for Medicare:
- If you receive disability benefits from Social Security or certain disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) for at least 24 months in a row
- If you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- If you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ...
What is the easiest way to sign up for Medicare?
To Apply Online, Just Follow These Few Simple Steps:
- Go to Social Security’s Website
- Click on the “Menu” Tab.
- In the “Benefits” section, choose “Medicare”.
- Scroll down and click the “Apply for Medicare Only” button. (you will only be applying for medical coverage — not social security payments)
- In the “Apply and Complete” section, choose “Start a New Application”.
- The site will guide you from there.
How to sign up for Medicare the first time?
You are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if:
- Sign up for a Medicare Part D drug plan.
- Buy a Medigap supplement insurance policy.
- Switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.
How do I sign up for Medicare officially?
Apply online (at Social Security) – This is the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. You'll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for Social Security benefits online. Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
What information do I need to create Medicare account?
Once your Medicare coverage is active, take a few minutes to create a MyMedicare.gov account....2. Enter Your Personal InformationMedicare number. Enter your Medicare ID number as it appears on your card. ... Part A or Part B coverage start date. ... Last name.Date of birth.ZIP code.Email address (optional)
When should you start the process of signing up for Medicare?
Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you sign up for Medicare, stop your Marketplace coverage so it ends when your Medicare coverage starts. See how to change from Marketplace to Medicare.
Do you have to sign up for Medicare or is it automatic when you turn 65?
It depends. If you're receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at least four months before you turn 65, you do NOT need to sign up; you'll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month that you turn 65.
Is my Social Security account the same as my Medicare account?
A: They're not the same thing, but they do have many similarities, and most older Americans receive benefits simultaneously from both programs. Social Security, which was enacted in 1935, is a government-run income benefit for retirees who have worked – and paid Social Security taxes – for at least ten years.
Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare if you are on Social Security?
Initial Enrollment Period for Part B If you are already getting benefits from Social Security or the RRB, you will automatically get Part A and Part B starting on the first day of the month when you turn 65.
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.
Does Medicare start the first day of your birthday month?
If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65. (If your birthday is on the first of the month, coverage starts the month before you turn 65.)
How do I know if I am automatically enrolled in Medicare?
Medicare will enroll you in Part B automatically. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you're not getting disability benefits and Medicare when you turn 65, you'll need to call or visit your local Social Security office, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Is Medicare free at age 65?
You are eligible for premium-free Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if: You are receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
How many months in advance should you apply for Social Security benefits?
four monthsYou can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. For example, if you turn 62 on December 2, you can start your benefits as early as December, and apply in August. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.
What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65?
If you don't have to pay a Part A premium, you generally don't have to pay a Part A late enrollment penalty. The Part A penalty is 10% added to your monthly premium. You generally pay this extra amount for twice the number of years that you were eligible for Part A but not enrolled.
Do I need separate logins for Social Security and Medicare?
Both SSA and Medicare have on-line portals you can use to reach specific information related to you and your personal issues. This process requires creating passwords and logins for the myssa.gov website or the myMedicare.gov portals.
How do I get my Medicare number online?
To get your Medicare card or number: Sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account. If you don't have an account yet, visit MyMedicare.gov to create one. You can sign in to see your Medicare Number or print an official copy of your card.
How do I get my Medicare number from Social Security?
If you need to know your new Medicare number now, you have some options. In your personal my Social Security account, you can get your Benefit Verification Letter, which includes your Medicare number. You can also visit Medicare.gov and sign in to see your Medicare number and print an official copy of your card.
Check when to sign up
Answer a few questions to find out when you can sign up for Part A and Part B based on your situation.
When coverage starts
The date your Part A and Part B coverage will start depends on when you sign up.
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.
How long does it take to sign up for Medicare?
Initial enrollment period. This is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday when you can sign up for Medicare. It begins 3 months before your birth month, includes the month of your birthday, and extends 3 months after your birth month. During this time, you can enroll in all parts of Medicare without a penalty.
How long do you have to sign up for Medicare if you have delayed enrollment?
If you delayed Medicare enrollment for an approved reason, you can later enroll during a special enrollment period. You have 8 months from the end of your coverage or the end of your employment to sign up without penalty. Medicare Advantage open enrollment (January 1–March 31).
How to get a copy of my naturalization certificate?
You can fill out Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship, either online or by mail, to have a copy of these documents sent to you.
What to do if you don't have birth certificate?
if you don’t have a record of your birth, other documents to prove your age, such as your immunization records, school records, state census records, insurance records, or medical records.
What are the parts of Medicare?
Together, parts A and B are known as original Medicare. You’ll need to enroll in original Medicare before you can enroll in any other Medicare parts. Other parts of Medicare include: Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage. Medicare Part D, which is prescription drug coverage.
How to replace a permanent resident card?
Citizenship and Immigration Services. You can fill out Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card , either online or by mail.
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).
How to sign up for Medicare Advantage?
Use the Medicare Plan Finder or call your local SHIP representative to compare plans in your area. Four Ways to Sign Up for a Medicare Advantage Plan. Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048). Go online and use the Medicare Plan Finder.
How long does it take to sign up for Medicare?
Signing up for Medicare online through the Social Security Administration is the fastest way to apply. Enrollment takes less than 10 minutes online, according to the Social Security Administration.
How long does it take for Medicare to arrive?
If you sign up for Medicare on your own, the packet should arrive about two weeks after you sign up. You will also receive a “Medicare & You” handbook, which includes important information about your coverage.
When is the best time to enroll in Medigap?
The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is when you are first eligible. This is a six-month enrollment period that begins the month you’re 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. If you apply for Medigap coverage after this six-month window, private insurance companies may not sell you a policy if you’re in poor health.
When does Medicare enrollment start?
It runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. Once you sign up, your coverage will begin July 1.
How long do you have to sign up for Part B?
But once you stop working or that coverage ends, you must sign up for Part B within eight months. Otherwise, you’ll face a late enrollment penalty.
How long do you have to collect Social Security before turning 65?
You receive Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for at least four months before turning 65. You are under the age of 65 and have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for at least 24 months. If you already collect Social Security retirement benefits, ...
Can I Apply for Medicare Online?
In this guide, we’ll show you how to sign up for Medicare online in just a few short steps.
How to Apply for Medicare Online
If you haven’t signed up for Social Security benefits, you’ll need to do that first in order to get Original Medicare (also known as Medicare Parts A and B). You can create a Social Security account and apply for benefits online here.
Enroll in a Plan
There are several parts of Medicare you can choose from. As the process for signing up for each plan varies, it’s important to know the distinctions between them.
Sign up During the Medicare Enrollment Periods
It’s very important to apply for Medicare during one of the enrollment periods listed below. If you sign up for Medicare outside of these periods, you could face higher premiums and delays of your coverage start date.
What Next?
You can sign up for Original Medicare through Medicare.gov. As we mentioned at the beginning of this guide, you should use the Medicare number listed in your Social Security account to create a MyMedicare.gov account.
