Once you understand the plan's rules and costs, here's how to join:
- Use Medicare's Plan Finder.
- Visit the plan's website to see if you can join online.
- Fill out a paper enrollment form. Contact the plan to get an enrollment form, fill it out, and return it to the plan. ...
- Call the plan you want to join. Get your plan's contact information.
- Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
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). ...
How to sign up for Medicare the first time?
You are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if:
- Sign up for a Medicare Part D drug plan.
- Buy a Medigap supplement insurance policy.
- Switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.
What is the best time to sign up for Medicare?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period for a number of reasons, which can include:
- You moved to a new area that is outside of your current Medicare Advantage plan's service area
- You left your employer coverage
- Medicare ended your current Medicare Advantage plan's contract
How to get help signing up for Medicare?
You may qualify for financial help
- The current open enrollment for the public health insurance marketplace lasts an extra 30 days, ending on Jan. 15.
- Already, 13.6 million people have signed up for 2022 coverage through the federal exchange or a state marketplace.
- The financial help available was expanded for this year and next year.
Is it better to sign up for Medicare online or by phone?
To be clear, you don't have to sign up for Medicare online. 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.
How long does it take to get Medicare after applying?
between 30-60 daysMedicare applications generally take between 30-60 days to obtain approval.
Can I create a Medicare account before I turn 65?
You're first eligible to sign up for Medicare 3 months before you turn 65. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig's disease). Follow these steps to learn about Medicare, how to sign up, and your coverage options.
Does Medicare automatically sign you up at 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.)
Does Medicare automatically send you a card?
Once you're signed up for Medicare, we'll mail you your Medicare card in your welcome packet. You can also log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print your official Medicare card. I didn't get my Medicare card in the mail. View the Medicare card if you get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board.
Does Medicare start on birthdays?
If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65. (If your birthday is on the first of the month, coverage starts the month before you turn 65.)
When should I apply for Social Security when I turn 66 and 2 months?
You can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. For example, if you turn 62 on December 2, you can start your benefits as early as December. If you want your benefits to start in December, you can apply in August.
How much does Medicare cost at age 62?
Reaching age 62 can affect your spouse's Medicare premiums He can still receive Medicare Part A, but he will have to pay a monthly premium for it. In 2020, the Medicare Part A premium can be as high as $458 per month.
Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare if you are on Social Security?
Initial Enrollment Period for Part B If you are already getting benefits from Social Security or the RRB, you will automatically get Part A and Part B starting on the first day of the month when you turn 65.
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.
Do I have to sign up for Social Security when I turn 65?
You will need to sign up for it during your initial enrollment period, or you will pay a penalty. To sign up, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You also may contact your local Social Security office. You can find your local Social Security office by using our Office Locator.
What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65?
If you don't have to pay a Part A premium, you generally don't have to pay a Part A late enrollment penalty. The Part A penalty is 10% added to your monthly premium. You generally pay this extra amount for twice the number of years that you were eligible for Part A but not enrolled.
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.
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.
Phone
For specific billing questions and questions about your claims, medical records, or expenses, log into your secure Medicare account, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE.
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
For specific billing questions and questions about your claims, medical records, or expenses, log into your secure Medicare account, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE.
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 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.
