what information do i need to sign up with medicare

• You’ll need to prove some information about your eligibility to enroll in Medicare.
• You might need documents that prove your age, citizenship, military service, and income.
• You’ll need to send in original copies of these documents. You can request new copies if you no longer have them.
• Social Security might be able to help you get new copies if you’re having trouble.

What documents do you need to sign up for Medicare?

When applying for Medicare in person, you’ll need to bring the following documents with you:

• Your Social Security card (or other proof of your SSN)
• An original copy of a document proving your age, such as a birth certificate, census record, or vaccine record – if possible, it should be from before you turned five
• Documentation proving legal residency, such as a U.S. ...

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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 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 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 items do I need to sign up for Medicare?

Key takeawaysStart by creating an account on the Social Security Administration's site.You'll need basic information – including birth certificate, driver's license, or proof of U.S. citizenship.Decide whether to enroll in Part A only – or Parts A and B.Enroll on time or risk a Part B premium surcharge.

What is the first thing to do 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.

Do you have to sign up for Medicare or is it automatic when you turn 65?

It depends. If you're receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at least four months before you turn 65, you do NOT need to sign up; you'll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month that you turn 65.

When should I sign up for Medicare Part B if I am still working?

You may be required to get Medicare Part B even when you're still working. There are two situations in which you must get Part B when you turn 65. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees. If you're covered by a spouse's employer, and the employer requires covered dependents to enroll in Medicare when they turn 65.

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.

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.

Is Medicare free at age 65?

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.

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.

How long does it take to get Medicare online?

A: Applying for Medicare online is easy and requires information that you’ll likely have on hand. Your initial enrollment window for Medicare spans seven months, beginning three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ending three months after that month. During this time, you have the option to sign up for Medicare online.

What happens if you miss your enrollment window for Medicare?

But know this: For each 12-month period you’re eligible for coverage but don’t apply, you’ll risk a 10% surcharge on your Part B premiums.

How long does it take to sign up for Medicare?

Initial enrollment period. This is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday when you can sign up for Medicare. It begins 3 months before your birth month, includes the month of your birthday, and extends 3 months after your birth month. During this time, you can enroll in all parts of Medicare without a penalty.

What are the parts of Medicare?

Together, parts A and B are known as original Medicare. You’ll need to enroll in original Medicare before you can enroll in any other Medicare parts. Other parts of Medicare include: Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage. Medicare Part D, which is prescription drug coverage.

How long do you have to sign up for Medicare if you have delayed enrollment?

If you delayed Medicare enrollment for an approved reason, you can later enroll during a special enrollment period. You have 8 months from the end of your coverage or the end of your employment to sign up without penalty. Medicare Advantage open enrollment (January 1–March 31).

How to get a copy of my naturalization certificate?

You can fill out Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship, either online or by mail, to have a copy of these documents sent to you.

What to do if you don't have birth certificate?

if you don’t have a record of your birth, other documents to prove your age, such as your immunization records, school records, state census records, insurance records, or medical records.

What age do you have to be to get a disability?

the names and ages of any children you have who are under age 18 (children up to age 19 who are still in high school also need to be mentioned) the names and ages of any children you have who had a disability before age 22.

When is the open enrollment period for Medicare?

Open enrollment period (October 15–December 7). During this time, you can switch from original Medicare (parts A and B) to Part C (Medicare Advantage), or from Part C back to original Medicare. You can also switch Part C plans or add, remove, or change a Part D plan. General enrollment period (January 1–March 31).

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.

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.

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 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, ...

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.

Is Medicare Part C the same as Original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) provide the same benefits as Original Medicare, and many plans may offer additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. If you are eligible for Original Medicare, you may also be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan.

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?