Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/apply.html and select “Apply for Medicare Only.” Use the “Related Information” links if you need more information. Apply and complete the application, which normally takes 10 to 30 minutes.
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Fill out an online application at SSA.gov.
- Visit a local Social Security office in person.
Do you need a Medicare account to sign up for Medicare?
You don’t need to create a Medicare account to sign up. After you sign up and get your Medicare Number, you can create your secure Medicare account. You can also join a plan or buy supplemental insurance to get more coverage. You can only sign up for Part B (or Part A if you have to pay a premium for it) at certain times.
How do I sign up for Medicare?
Contact Social Security to sign up for Medicare. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
Can I apply for Medicare online?
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 time and money.
How do I buy Medicare Part A without having to pay?
If you don’t qualify for Part A without having to pay a monthly premium, you might be able to buy Part A. To buy Part A, you must also sign up for Part B. Fill out Form CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B). Send the completed form to your local Social Security office by fax or mail. Call 1-800-772-1213.
Is it better to apply for Medicare online or in person?
You can do so over the phone or in person, but if you're looking to save time, completing an online application is probably the best way to go. The first step in enrolling in Medicare online is creating an account on the Social Security Administration's web site.
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.
How do I set up my Medicare account online?
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.
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.
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 Medicare after applying?
between 30-60 daysMedicare applications generally take between 30-60 days to obtain approval.
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.
When should I create a Medicare account?
Generally, we advise people to file for Medicare benefits 3 months before age 65. Remember, Medicare benefits can begin no earlier than age 65. If you are already receiving Social Security, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B without an additional application.
Can I access Medicare without myGov?
If you don't have a myGov account or a Medicare online account, you'll need to set them up. You can use your Medicare online account to manage details and claims, view statements and get letters online. To do your business with us online, create a myGov account and link to Medicare.
Does Social Security automatically enroll you in 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.)
How much does Social Security take out for Medicare each month?
The standard Medicare Part B premium for medical insurance in 2021 is $148.50. Some people who collect Social Security benefits and have their Part B premiums deducted from their payment will pay less.
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.
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.
What is the Medicare eligibility tool?
The Medicare.gov Web site also has a tool to help you determine if you are eligibile for Medicare and when you can enroll. It is called the Medicare Eligibility Tool.
When do you get Medicare if you have 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.
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.
What is the number to call Medicare?
If you get stuck among the many choices you face, you can call Medicare for guidance at 1-800-MEDICARE, or 1-800-633-4227 / TTY 1-877-486-2048 .
Why does Medicare take so long to process?
That’s because you typically have to wait for forms to be mailed to you so you can fill them out and return them. All of this takes time.
How to find Medicare Advantage and Part D?
There are several online options for reviewing and enrolling in Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplement (Medigap), or Part D plans. Medicare.gov offers a comparative tool called Plan Finder that allows you to search for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans available where you live. Medicare.gov also has a page that lets you type in your ZIP code so you can compare Medigap plans offered in your state .
What is Medicare broker?
Brokers are individuals or agencies that contract with insurance companies to sell their Medicare plans. While they’re typically free for you to work with, they do receive a commission for helping you sign up for a plan. They must be licensed by the state, but they’re not obligated to sell all of the plans available in your area.
