
- Online. Technology has made enrolling in Medicare both quick and easy. All you have to do is create an account on the Social Security Administration website.
- Over the Phone. You can enroll over the phone by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- At Your Local Social Security Office. You can use the field office locator on SSA.gov to find your nearest Social Security office. ...
Full Answer
How to enrol and get started in Medicare?
Jan 01, 2022 · Contact Social Security to sign up for Medicare. You can either: Sign up for just Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) . Apply to get benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board). You’ll get Part A automatically once you start getting benefits. You’ll choose if you want Part B when you apply for benefits.
How do I get Started with Medicare?
Why should I apply online for Medicare benefits? Applying online for Medicare benefits offers several advantages: • You can start your application immediately — you do not have to wait for an appointment. • You can apply from the comfort of your home, or from any computer. • You can avoid a trip to a Social Security office, saving you
What forms do you need to 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 …
What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?
Apr 06, 2022 · How to Apply. There are two ways to get Medicare drug coverage: Add a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) to your Medicare-approved insurance policy. Get a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) such as an HMO or PPO that offers Medicare prescription drug coverage. Learn more about Medicare Part D. When You Can Apply or Change Your Plan

How do I begin to apply for Medicare?
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.
What are the 3 requirements 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). Medicare has two parts, Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medicare Insurance).
When should I start applying for Medicare?
Generally, you're first eligible starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you might have to wait to sign up and go months without coverage. You might also pay a monthly penalty for as long as you have Part B.
Do I automatically get 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.)
Do I have to pay for Medicare Part A?
Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A (sometimes called "premium-free Part A"). If you buy Part A, you'll pay up to $499 each month in 2022. If you paid Medicare taxes for less than 30 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $499.
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.Jan 3, 2022
Does Medicare start on birthdays?
Your Medicare coverage generally starts on the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday falls on the first day of the month, your Medicare coverage starts the first day of the previous month. If you qualify for Medicare because of a disability or illness, in most cases your IEP is also seven months.
How long does it take to get Medicare Part B after?
Most Medicare provider number applications are taking up to 12 calendar days to process from the date we get your application. Some applications may take longer if they need to be assessed by the Department of Health. We assess your application to see if you're eligible to access Medicare benefits.Dec 10, 2021
What do I need to do before I turn 65?
This quick checklist covers some of the most important things you should review.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.Nov 22, 2021
Is Medicare age changing to 67?
3 The retirement age will remain 66 until 2017, when it will increase in 2-month increments to 67 in 2022. Several proposals have suggested raising both the normal retirement age and the Medicare eligibility age.
How soon before you turn 65 should you apply for Social Security?
You can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start.
Does Social Security automatically send you a Medicare card?
Medicare will automatically mail your new card to the address you have on file with Social Security. As long as your address is up to date, there's nothing you need to do!May 17, 2018
Medicare Eligibility, Applications, and Appeals
Find information about Medicare, how to apply, report fraud and complaints.What help is available?Medicare is the federal health insurance program...
Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B
You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 to the Social Secur...
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Part D of Medicare is an insurance coverage plan for prescription medication. Learn about the costs for Medicare drug coverage.EligibilityPrescript...
Replace Your Medicare Card
You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed:Log into your MyMedicare.gov account and reque...
Medicare Coverage Outside the United States
Medicare coverage outside the United States is limited. Learn about coverage if you live or are traveling outside the United States.Original Medica...
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.
Medicare Eligibility, Applications and Appeals
Find information about Medicare, how to apply, report fraud and complaints.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Part D of Medicare is an insurance coverage plan for prescription medication. Learn about the costs for Medicare drug coverage.
Replace Your Medicare Card
You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed:
Medicare Coverage Outside the United States
Medicare coverage outside the United States is limited. Learn about coverage if you live or are traveling outside the United States.
Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B
You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader) to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Visit or call the SSA ( 1-800-772-1213) to get this form.
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
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 apply for medicare?
You can apply for Medicare online even if you are not ready to start your retirement benefits. Applying online can take less than 10 minutes. There are no forms to sign and we usually require no documentation.
When does Medicare enrollment end?
If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after that birthday.
