how to signup for medicare a & b

Learn How to Apply for Medicare, Part A and Part B Benefits.

• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to sign up for Medicare over the phone.
• Apply for Medicare and sign up online at Social Security.
• Find a Local Social Security office in your area and sign up for Medicare in person.

Full Answer

What is the easiest way to sign up for Medicare?

To Apply Online, Just Follow These Few Simple Steps:

• Go to Social Security’s Website
• Click on the “Menu” Tab.
• In the “Benefits” section, choose “Medicare”.
• Scroll down and click the “Apply for Medicare Only” button. (you will only be applying for medical coverage — not social security payments)
• In the “Apply and Complete” section, choose “Start a New Application”.
• The site will guide you from there.

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). ...

What information do I need to sign up for Medicare?

• Your job-based insurance pays first, and Medicare pays second.
• If you don’t have to pay a premium for Part A, you can choose to sign up when you turn 65 (or anytime later).
• You can wait until you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) to sign up for Part B, and you won’t pay a late enrollment penalty.

How and when do you sign up for Medicare?

Many do not understand how the various parts of Medicare work, and especially how or if “original Medicare” (Medicare Part A and Part B) interacts with a Medicare Advantage plan. If you now have a Medicare Advantage plan, it is the private insurer who ...

Is Medicare Part A free?

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.

What is the best way to sign up 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.

What does Medicare type a cover?

Medicare Part A hospital insurance covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility, hospice, lab tests, surgery, home health care.

Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare if you are on Social Security?

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 is deducted from Social Security for Medicare?

In 2021, based on the average social security benefit of $1,514, a beneficiary paid around 9.8 percent of their income for the Part B premium. Next year, that figure will increase to 10.6 percent.

How long does it take to get approved for Medicare?

between 30-60 daysMedicare applications generally take between 30-60 days to obtain approval.

Does Medicare Part A cover 100 percent?

Most medically necessary inpatient care is covered by Medicare Part A. If you have a covered hospital stay, hospice stay, or short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare Part A pays 100% of allowable charges for the first 60 days after you meet your Part A deductible.

Who pays for Medicare Part A?

Most people receive Medicare Part A automatically when they turn age 65 and pay no monthly premiums. If you or your spouse haven't worked at least 40 quarters, you'll pay a monthly premium for Part A.

Who qualifies for free Medicare Part A?

You are eligible for premium-free Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if: You are receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.

Do you automatically receive 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.

Will Medicare automatically send me a Medicare 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.

Is Medicare deducted from your Social Security check?

Yes. In fact, if you are signed up for both Social Security and Medicare Part B — the portion of Medicare that provides standard health insurance — the Social Security Administration will automatically deduct the premium from your monthly benefit.

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.

When can I join a health or drug plan?

Find out when you can sign up for or change your Medicare coverage. This includes your Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

Types of Medicare health plans

Medicare Advantage, Medicare Savings Accounts, Cost Plans, demonstration/pilot programs, and Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

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.

Answer a few questions to find out

These questions don’t apply if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

Do you have health insurance now?

Are you or your spouse still working for the employer that provides your health insurance coverage?

How to sign up for Medicare Advantage?

Use the Medicare Plan Finder or call your local SHIP representative to compare plans in your area. Four Ways to Sign Up for a Medicare Advantage Plan. Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048). Go online and use the Medicare Plan Finder.

How long does it take to sign up for Medicare?

Signing up for Medicare online through the Social Security Administration is the fastest way to apply. Enrollment takes less than 10 minutes online, according to the Social Security Administration.

How long does it take for Medicare to arrive?

If you sign up for Medicare on your own, the packet should arrive about two weeks after you sign up. You will also receive a “Medicare & You” handbook, which includes important information about your coverage.

When is the best time to enroll in Medigap?

The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is when you are first eligible. This is a six-month enrollment period that begins the month you’re 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. If you apply for Medigap coverage after this six-month window, private insurance companies may not sell you a policy if you’re in poor health.

When does Medicare enrollment start?

It runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. Once you sign up, your coverage will begin July 1.

How long do you have to sign up for Part B?

But once you stop working or that coverage ends, you must sign up for Part B within eight months. Otherwise, you’ll face a late enrollment penalty.

How long do you have to collect Social Security before turning 65?

You receive Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for at least four months before turning 65. You are under the age of 65 and have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for at least 24 months. If you already collect Social Security retirement benefits, ...