
- Use Medicare's Plan Finder.
- Visit the plan's website to see if you can join online.
- Fill out a paper enrollment form. Contact the plan to get an enrollment form, fill it out, and return it to the plan. All plans must offer this option.
- Call the plan you want to join. Get your plan's contact information.
- Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
How to enroll in Medicare if you are turning 65?
Jan 01, 2022 · Ways to sign up: Online (at Social Security) – It’s 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 benefits.) Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
When should I sign up for Medicare?
Find out when you can sign up for or change your Medicare coverage. This includes your Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or Medicare drug coverage (Part D). Types of Medicare health plans. Medicare Advantage, Medicare Savings Accounts, Cost Plans, demonstration/pilot programs, and Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
How and when do I apply for Medicare?
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 …
How much does Medicare cost at age 65?
About 2 weeks after you sign up for Medicare or Social Security benefits. If you’ll be getting Medicare automatically based on disability, you'll get this package about 2 weeks after Social Security approves your benefits. Why did I get it? In the past year, you didn’t sign up for, dropped, or lost Part B coverage.

What do I need in order to apply for Medicare?
- your Social Security number.
- your date and place of birth.
- your citizenship status.
- the name and Social Security number of your current spouse and any former spouses.
- the date and place of any marriages or divorces you've had.
Do you have to sign up for Medicare or does it happen automatically?
How do I start paying Medicare?
To sign up, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You also may contact your local Social Security office. You can find your local Social Security office by using our Office Locator.
When should I start applying for Medicare?
How long before you turn 65 do you apply for Medicare?
It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. My birthday is on the first of the month.
What is the maximum income to qualify for Medicare?
Is Medicare deducted from Social Security?
What month is Medicare deducted from Social Security?
Can I get Medicare Part B for free?
What do I need to do before I turn 65?
- Prepare 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 apply for Medicare at 65?
What is Medicare Part A and B?
When can I join a health or drug plan?
Find out when you can sign up for or change your Medicare coverage. This includes your Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or Medicare drug coverage (Part D).
Types of Medicare health plans
Medicare Advantage, Medicare Savings Accounts, Cost Plans, demonstration/pilot programs, PACE, and Medication Therapy Management.
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.
Answer a few questions to find out
These questions don’t apply if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Do you have health insurance now?
Are you or your spouse still working for the employer that provides your health insurance coverage?
How long do you have to work to get Medicare?
If you have a qualifying work history, which is generally 10 years of employment during which time you paid Medicare taxes, you can sign up for Medicare and begin using your benefits once you turn 65.
What happens if you don't enroll in Part D?
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to do so, because if you don’t enroll into Part D coverage for prescription drugs when you’re first eligible, you’ll pay a late-enrollment penalty , unless you have prescription drug coverage through another source that is at least as good as Part D.
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 do you have to be on Medicare if you are 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, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. No further action is required.
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.
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.
Does Medicare Advantage have the same benefits as Original Medicare?
All Medicare Advantage plans must offer the same Medicare Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare, but some plans include other benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental and vision. Medicare Advantage Plans do not all offer the same benefits.
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.
