what do i bring to apply for medicare

^{What do you need to bring when applying for Medicare?}

• Birth certificate. You typically need to be at least 65 years old to receive Medicare benefits, unless you have a qualifying disability or condition.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the U.S. ...
• Your Social Security card (if already receiving SSA benefits) If you are already receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you may be required to supply your ...
• Health insurance information. Depending on your situation, you may be able to use Medicare in conjunction with other types of health insurance.
Tax information. You may have to show some of your tax record information, such as a W-2, when you sign up for Medicare.
Military documents. There are some specific rules concerning Medicare and veteran’s health insurance benefits, and you may have to provide records of your military service if you are receiving any ...
Part B enrollment application. If you originally opted out of Medicare Part B and now want to sign up, you may have to fill out a Part B enrollment application.

Full Answer

When can you start applying for Medicare?

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. Learn about it at your own pace. Step 1

What do you really need to know about Medicare?

• Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
• Routine vision care
• Routine hearing care
• Routine dental care
• Gym membership and/or other wellness programs

How to know if you are eligible for Medicare?

• You receive Full Medicaid benefits
• You are a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) without other Medicaid (QMB Only)
• You receive QMB Plus
• You are a Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) without other Medicaid (SLMB Only)
• You receive SLMB Plus
• You are a Qualifying Individual (QI)
• You are a Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI)

What documents are needed for Medicare application?

What do you need to bring when applying for Medicare?

• Birth certificate. ...
• Proof of U.S. ...
• Your Social Security card (if already receiving SSA benefits) If you are already receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you may be required to supply your ...
• Health insurance information. ...
• Tax information. ...
• Military documents. ...
• Part B enrollment application. ...

What are the first steps to applying for Medicare?

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.

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.

When should I start my application for Medicare?

When Should You Apply for Medicare? In most cases, you should apply for Medicare as soon as you're eligible. The initial enrollment period starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and extends three months past the month you turn 65, giving you a seven-month window to apply.

How long before you turn 65 do you apply for Medicare?

3 monthsYour first chance to sign up (Initial Enrollment Period) It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. My birthday is on the first of the month.

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 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.

Does Medicare start the first day of your birthday month?

Does Medicare Start on Your Birthday? Original Medicare coverage does not start on your actual birthday. At the earliest, coverage begins on the first day of the month you turn 65. So, if your birthday is July 24, your coverage will begin July 1.

Do I need to contact Social Security when I turn 65?

Is it automatic when I turn 65? To enroll in Medicare, most people need to contact Social Security directly. Do this before your 65th birthday to avoid a lapse in health coverage.

What is the best way to apply for Medicare?

The best way to apply for Medicare is online at socialsecurity.gov or by speaking with a representative at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, b...

How long does it take for a Medicare application to be approved?

Depending on the application method that you choose, approval by phone, mail, or online can take 30 to 60 days. However, applications can be proces...

What do I need to do to enroll in Medicare?

You will need basic information and documentation such as your Social Security card, citizenship status, birth certificate, earnings statements, fe...

Is it mandatory to go on Medicare when you turn 65?

No, it’s not mandatory to go on Medicare when you turn 65. However, declining the federal benefit can end up being complicated in certain scenarios...

How much does Medicare cost at 65 years old?

Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A. The premium for Part B is currently $148.50, but it can be more if you have a high income. The...

Medicare Eligibility

Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare lasts for seven months, starting three months before you reach the age of 65 and ending three months after. Eligibility for Medicare benefits is available for people age 65 and older.

What to Bring When Applying for Medicare

If you’re collecting Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare. You won’t need to dig up any documents to apply. The same goes for being eligible due to collecting SSDI after 24 months.

Documents for Medicare Advantage and Medigap

Whether you sign up for Medicare Advantage or Medigap, you’ll need both your Medicare number and the date your Original Medicare coverage started. This information will be on your Medicare card. You can also access this information through your dashboard on the Social Security website if you created an account to enroll.

What If I Lost My Documents?

If you lost your documents or can’t locate them, you still have time to obtain new copies before applying for Medicare. This involves contacting your state or local offices for copies of records and other documents that you might not have readily available. Here’s how you can obtain new copies.

Enrolling in Medicare

Once you’ve got all of your documents in order, you’re ready to apply! To get started, check out my guide: How to Apply for Medicare.

How to apply for medicare over the phone?

By phone. Call 1-800-772-1213 between 7am and 7pm Monday through Friday to apply over the phone. If you are hard of hearing, you may dial 1-800-325-0778. In person. Visit your local Social Security office to apply for Medicare in person. If you're eligible for or enrolled in Medicare and you want to compare your Medicare plan options, ...

When do you start enrolling in Medicare?

However, you may begin the enrollment process three months before turning 65, which is when your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) typically begins. Learn more about the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period.

How long does it take to sign up for Medicare?

You may apply for Medicare online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. The application process typically takes no more than 10 minutes to complete. By phone.

Do you have to provide military records for Medicare?

There are some specific rules concerning Medicare and veteran’s health insurance benefits, and you may have to provide records of your military service if you are receiving any such military or veteran’s benefits.

How to enroll in Medicare online?

Applying for Medicare online. If your situation is relatively straightforward, applying online can be your best option. Here are the steps to follow: Be sure you meet the qualifications. Go to https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib. Follow the instructions on the website.

What happens after you apply for Medicare?

No matter how you applied, once your application is complete, the Social Security office will send you a copy of the information it has on record regarding your application. Be sure to double-check this document for any mistakes, as this is your chance to correct it.

How long does it take to apply for medicare?

You can apply for Medicare in one of three ways: Online: This method is the easiest and quickest way to apply, taking ten to thirty minutes. By telephone: If you want to talk to a human but from the convenience of your home.

When is Medicare enrollment period?

If you miss your sign-up window for Medicare Part A and Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, there is also a General Enrollment Period every year from January 1 to March 31.

How to check my Social Security number?

Just follow these simple steps. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Follow the menu instructions. You will need to navigate the automated menu by saying “Medicare” and then entering identifying information about yourself such as your Social Security number.

What is Part A insurance?

Part A is known as hospital insurance and covers services like a room, meals, nursing services, and treatment in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Most people do not have to pay premiums for Part A because of the payroll taxes paid during their working career.

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.

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 Eligibility, Applications, and Appeals

Find information about Medicare, how to apply, report fraud and complaints.

Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B

You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader) to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Visit or call the SSA ( 1-800-772-1213) to get this form.

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)

Part D of Medicare is an insurance coverage plan for prescription medication. Learn about the costs for Medicare drug coverage.

Replace Your Medicare Card

You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed:

Medicare Coverage Outside the United States

Medicare coverage outside the United States is limited. Learn about coverage if you live or are traveling outside the United States.

Do you have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.