The only way to sign up for original Medicare online is through SSA.gov, the official Social Security website. If you’re eligible and ready to enroll, you can start a new application on SSA.gov. While the SSA manages the eligibility component of Medicare, you don't have to be receiving Social Security benefits to get Medicare.
How to apply for Medicare through SSA?
If you get SSI Disability and don’t have Medicaid
- In many states, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid and don’t have to fill out a Medicaid application.
- In other states, your SSI guarantees you Medicaid eligibility, but you have to sign up for it.
- In a few states, SSI doesn’t guarantee Medicaid eligibility. But most people who get SSI are still eligible.
What are the benefits of SSA?
Social Security's Disability Insurance Benefits are federally funded and administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Social Security pays disability benefits to you and certain members of your family if you have worked long enough... Social Security and Retirement.
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 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). ...
Does SSA automatically sign you up for Medicare?
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.)
What are the first steps to applying for Medicare?
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.
Which do you apply for first Social Security or Medicare?
A: The need for health coverage can arise before your need for Social Security benefits. Social Security and Medicare are interrelated, but it's possible to sign up for one without the other. You're allowed to collect Social Security as early as age 62. Meanwhile, Medicare eligibility begins for most people at age 65.
How much does Social Security take out for Medicare each month?
In 2021, based on the average social security benefit of $1,514, a beneficiary paid around 9.8 percent of their income for the Part B premium. Next year, that figure will increase to 10.6 percent.
What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?
What documents do I need to enroll in 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.More items...
How long does it take to get approved for Medicare?
between 30-60 daysMedicare applications generally take between 30-60 days to obtain approval.
How long before you turn 65 do you apply for Medicare?
3 monthsYour first chance to sign up (Initial Enrollment Period) 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.
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.
At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?
At 65 to 67, depending on the year of your birth, you are at full retirement age and can get full Social Security retirement benefits tax-free.
Is Medicare Part A 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 much money is taken out of my Social Security check for Medicare?
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums are normally deducted from any Social Security or RRB benefits you receive. Your Part B premiums will be automatically deducted from your total benefit check in this case. You'll typically pay the standard Part B premium, which is $170.10 in 2022.
Can I get Medicare Part B for 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 long before you turn 65 do you apply for Medicare?
3 monthsYour first chance to sign up (Initial Enrollment Period) 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.
Do you automatically get a Medicare card when you turn 65?
You should receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. If you are NOT receiving benefits from Social Security or the RRB at least four months before you turn 65, you will need to sign up with Social Security to get Parts A and B.
Does Medicare coverage start the month you turn 65?
For most people, Medicare coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65. Some people delay enrollment and remain on an employer plan. Others may take premium-free Part A and delay Part B. If someone is on Social Security Disability for 24 months, they qualify for Medicare.
How long does it take for Medicare Part B to be approved?
You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or go to your local Social Security office. It takes about 45 to 90 days to receive your acceptance letter after submitting your Medicare application.
How long before Medicare card is sent out?
We’ll mail you a welcome package with your Medicare card 3 months before your Medicare coverage starts.
How long after you sign up for Part A do you have to sign up for Part B?
You get Part A automatically. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it. If you don’t sign up for Part B within 3 months after your Part A starts, you might have to wait to sign up and pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.
How long do you have to sign up for Part A?
You get Part A automatically. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it. If you don’t sign up for Part B within 3 months of turning 65, you might have to wait to sign up and pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.
How to contact railroad retirement board?
If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.
Ways to Apply
You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online.
Retirement or Spouse's Benefits
You can apply online for Retirement or spouse's benefits or continue an application you already started.
Disability Benefits
You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started.
Appeal a Disability Decision
If your application for disability benefits was denied recently for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online or continue working on an appeal you already started.
Medicare Benefits
You can apply online for Medicare or continue an application you already started.
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
You can apply online for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
If you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), please read:
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.
When do you get your Social Security check?
If you are due benefits for the month of December, you will receive your first check in January for December.
How long do you have to withdraw Social Security?
Sometimes, life changes occur after you submit your application. You have up to 12 months to withdraw your application, if you change your mind. You will be required to repay any benefits you’ve already received. Learn more about Withdrawing Your Social Security Retirement Application.
