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.
Full Answer
How do I sign up for Medicare if I already have Medicare?
If you already have Medicare, you can get information and services online. Find out how to manage your benefits. If you already have Medicare Part A and wish to sign up for Medicare Part B, please complete form CMS 40-B, Application for Enrollment in Medicare - Part B (Medical Insurance), and take or mail it to your local Social Security office.
How do I apply for Medicare without social security?
The first step is to apply for original Medicare (Parts A and B), assuming you’re eligible and don’t want monthly Social Security benefits right now. You can apply for original Medicare in one of three ways: online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
How do I sign up for Medicare Part D?
After you have original Medicare, you can sign up for additional Medicare coverage such as Part D, Medicare Advantage, or supplemental insurance (Medigap) by visiting Medicare.gov, using its Plan Finder, calling insurance brokers, or contacting the companies that sell the policies directly.
How do I enroll in Medicare if I am on disability?
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.
How do I enroll in Medicare in Texas?
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.
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 do I sign up for Medicare when I turn 65?
Signing up for MedicareVisiting your local Social Security office.Calling Social Security at 800-772-1213.Mailing a signed and dated letter to Social Security that includes your name, Social Security number, and the date you would like to be enrolled in Medicare.Or, by applying online at www.ssa.gov.
Can you enroll in Medicare online?
You can apply online (at Social Security) - select “Already Enrolled in Medicare” from the menu. Or, fax or mail your forms to your local Social Security office.
How long does it take to be approved for Medicare?
between 30-60 daysMedicare applications generally take between 30-60 days to obtain approval.
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.
What do I need to do before I turn 65?
Turning 65 Soon? Here's a Quick Retirement ChecklistPrepare 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.
What happens if you don't sign up for Medicare at 65?
Specifically, if you fail to sign up for Medicare on time, you'll risk a 10 percent surcharge on your Medicare Part B premiums for each year-long period you go without coverage upon being eligible. (Since Medicare Part A is usually free, a late enrollment penalty doesn't apply for most people.)
What is the Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program?
If you are eligible for Medicare, the Texas' Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program can help you enroll, find information and provide counseling about your options.
Who is Eligible?
Medicare beneficiaries and their representatives of any age are eligible. Medicare beneficiaries include those deemed eligible by being 65 or older or through a disability by the Social Security Administration.
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.
Signing up for original Medicare
If you don’t meet the requirements for automatic Medicare enrollment, you can apply for Medicare online, in person, or by phone.
Shopping for additional coverage
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.
The bottom line
The first step in getting original Medicare is applying for it if you’re not automatically enrolled at age 65. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Adding extra or supplemental coverage such as Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medigap comes after you have secured Medicare Parts A and B.