how to apply for your own medicare card online

^{The takeaway}

• You can apply for Medicare online using the Social Security website. The application is completely free.
• You’ll need to create a My Social Security account if you don’t already have one. ...
• You’ll need to apply for original Medicare (parts A and B) before you can apply for any other part of Medicare.
• Once Social Security approves your original Medicare application, you can enroll in additional coverage.

How to enrol and get started in Medicare?

• income tax form that shows health insurance premiums paid;
• W-2s reflecting pre-tax medical contributions;
• pay stubs that reflect health insurance premium deductions;
• health insurance cards with a policy effective date;
• explanations of benefits paid by the GHP or LGHP; or
• statements or receipts that reflect payment of health insurance premiums.

When will I get my Medicare card?

You should receive your Medicare card in the mail in the 25th month after you receive your first Social Security check. For individuals with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare the same month that your disability benefits begin.

How do I get a replacement Medicare card?

You have a few options:

• Request a replacement Medicare card online through your My Social Security account. If you don’t have an account, you...
• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users, call 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM.
• Visit your local Social Security office.
• If you worked for a railroad, request a replacement card through the...

What to do if my Medicare card has expired?

• Go to myMedicare.gov.
• Log in. If you don’t yet have a myMedicare.gov account, go to “Create an Account,” and follow the instructions.
• After logging in, select “Replacement Documents.”
• Select “Mail my replacement Medicare Card”.
• Verify your mailing address. If your address is incorrect, you can update it in on the website.

Can I get a Medicare card online?

You can get your own Medicare card using: your Medicare online account through myGov. the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.

What is the easiest way to apply for Medicare?

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.

Does Medicare automatically send you a card?

You should automatically receive your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday. You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare after 24 months and should receive your Medicare card in the 25th month.

How long does it take to get Medicare card after applying?

about 3 weeksYou'll receive your card within about 3 weeks from the date you apply for Medicare. You should carry your card with you whenever you're away from home. You can sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account if you need to print a replacement card.

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...

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.)

What do I do if I don't get my Medicare card?

Once Medicare starts mailing cards to your state, it can take up to a month to receive the card. If the government has finished mailing the cards to your state, and you did not receive a card, contact Medicare right away at 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) or 1-877-486-2048 for TTY users.

Can I print my new Medicare card online?

To print your Medicare card, you actually need to log in to a completely different online account at www.medicare.gov. Once logged in, you'll see a section titled “What do you want to do?”. Click on “Print my Medicare card”. The next page will prompt you to re-enter your online password.

At what age do you get your own Medicare card?

15When your child turns 15, they can get their own Medicare card. A Medicare card gives them access to a range of medical services and prescriptions at a lower cost.

How do I contact Medicare?

(800) 633-4227Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services / Customer service

How do I create a Medicare account?

1. Go to the MyMedicare.gov Account Creation PageLook for the Log In button on the top right corner of the site.Click Log In.From the login screen, click Create an Account Now.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

The difference between Medicaid and Medicare is that Medicaid is managed by states and is based on income. Medicare is managed by the federal government and is mainly based on age. But there are special circumstances, like certain disabilities, that may allow younger people to get Medicare.

Sometimes You’Re Automatically Enrolled in Medicare

Medicare enrollment may happen automatically if the following situations apply.If you turn 65 years oldIf you’re already receiving Social Security...

If You’Re New to Medicare

You’ll have to manually apply for Medicare if: 1. You live in Puerto Rico. You may get automatically enrolled in Part A as described above, but you...

If You Need A New Medicare Card Sooner

Have a doctor’s appointment? If you can’t wait 30 days for your new card to arrive, you can visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-7...

Keeping Your Medicare Card Safe

Keep your Medicare card in a safe place, and don’t let anyone else use it. Always have your card handy when you call Medicare with questions.You sh...

How to contact Medicare if you are married?

If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-312-751-4701. You can also sign up online at in person. If you’re married, you and your spouse should each have your own separate Medicare cards with separate Medicare claim numbers. Don’t mix them up, and never use each other’s cards.

How old do you have to be to get Medicare?

Medicare sends you a red, white, and blue card when you’re signed up. You’re generally eligible for Medicare if you’re a United States citizen or permanent legal resident of at least five continuous years, and you generally qualify by age (65 or older). However, you may qualify for Medicare before turning 65 if you receive Social Security ...

What is the number to call for Social Security?

Social Security: 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM. If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-800-325-0778. Railroad Retirement Board : 1-877-772-5772, Monday through Friday, from 9AM to 3:30PM. If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-312-751-4701. You can also sign up online at in person.

When will Medicare start?

If you turn 65 years old. If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, when you reach age 65. Your Medicare card should arrive about three months before your 65th birthday, and your Medicare coverage starts the first day ...

When do you have to enroll in Medicare if you don't qualify?

If you don’t enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, in most cases you’ll have to wait until the General Enrollment Period, which takes place from January to March 31 every year. You may have to pay a late-enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B (and for Medicare Part A, if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A). ...

When will Medicare be available for Social Security?

If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare after 24 months of collecting disability. Your Medicare card should arrive in the 25th month.

Do you have to pay late enrollment penalty for Medicare?

You may have to pay a late-enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B (and for Medicare Part A, if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A). Some people decide to delay Medicare Part B enrollment if they have other coverage, since Part B comes with a premium.

How to get a replacement Medicare card?

Go to Sign In or Create an Account. Once you are logged in to your account, select the "Replacement Documents" tab. Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare card.”. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security so be sure to make sure your mailing address is correct before completing ...

What happens if my Medicare card is stolen?

If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a replacement with your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one online. Go to Sign In or Create an Account.

How long does it take for a Medicare card to arrive?

Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare Card.”. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security.

How to get a replacement Medicare card if lost?

If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can ask for a replacement by using your online my Social Security account, even if you don't yet receive Social Security benefits. If don’t already have a Social Security on-line account, you can create one online. Go to Sign In or Create an Account.

How to request a replacement SSA card?

Applicants requesting a replacement card fill out the online form and send it electronically to SSA. SSA uses the highest commercially available encryption to ensure that a beneficiary’s confidential information is secure as it travels over the Internet.

What is the SSA retirement planner?

In May, President Clinton unveiled SSA’s new online retirement planner – an electronic service to help Americans better prepare for their financial future. The Social Security Retirement Planner allows individuals to compute estimates of their future Social Security retirement benefits online at SSA’s Internet website.

When did the Social Security newsletter come out?

SSA’s first Social Security e-news newsletter went out on March 1.