what to bring when applying 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...
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the U.S. for at least...
• Your Social Security card (if already receiving SSA benefits). If you are already...

Full Answer

What documents do I need to apply for Medicare in person?

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

How do I apply for Medicare?

There are three ways to apply 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. Call 1-800-772-1213 between 7am and 7pm Monday through Friday to apply over the phone.

How can Social Security help you get Medicare documents?

Social Security can help you get copies of any documents you no longer have. When you apply for Medicare, you might need to provide some documents that show you’re eligible for the program.

Do I need a Social Security card to get Medicare?

You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the U.S. for at least five continuous years to be eligible for Medicare. If you are already receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you may be required to supply your Social Security card when applying for Medicare.

Is it better to apply for Medicare online or in person?

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.

What is the easiest way to apply 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.

When should I start my application for Medicare?

Generally, you're first eligible starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you might have to wait to sign up and go months without coverage.

Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?

You automatically get Medicare when you turn 65 Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

How long does it take to get a Medicare card?

You can get your own Medicare card online or apply for one using a form. You can also get a new card with other people. We'll send your card to the address you've given us. It'll arrive in about 3 to 4 weeks.

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?

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.)

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.

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.

Social Security May Request Birth Certificates and Tax Information

The application process for Medicare asks for several pieces of information, including:

Seniors Can Use Other Documents to Prove Their Eligibility

If a senior doesn’t have a record of their birth in the form of a birth certificate, another document such as a passport can be used. If they don’t have a passport, Social Security may accept immunization or other medical records, school records or state census records as proof of age.

Medicare Eligibility

Most people become eligible to apply for Medicare three months before they turn 65. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, then you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and, in most cases, Part B.

Enrolling Under Age 65

There are a few conditions under which you can receive Medicare before you turn 65.

ALS Eligibility

If you have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and qualify for Social Security or railroad disability benefits, then you will automatically be eligible for Original Medicare. Unlike the general disability condition, you do not need to receive disability benefits for a specific time before being able to apply for Medicare.

End-Stage Renal Disease Eligibility

Those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are also able to receive Medicare prior to age 65 under special conditions. These conditions are:

Applying for Medicare Without Social Security

For some people, Social Security enrollment begins at age 67, rather than age 65. However, these people still become eligible for Medicare at age 65. In contrast to those already on Social Security, however, these people will not be enrolled in Medicare automatically, but will have to seek enrollment themselves.

Paying for Medicare Without Social Security

As we noted above, it is possible to get Medicare if you are not receiving Social Security benefits. Most people who are receiving Social Security benefits will be eligible for premium-free Part A, but others who receive Part A or Part B coverage will still have to pay premiums.

How Do I Apply For Medicare?

If you are receiving Social Security benefits, expect to receive a packet in the mail about three months prior to your 65th birthday that contains your enrollment and coverage details, along with instructions about further steps.