3 Ways to Sign Up for Medicare in the United States
- Applying by phone: Call Social Security’s main number at 800-772-1213 (or TTY 800-325-0778) and schedule an appointment for a phone interview at a convenient time for you.
- Applying at your local Social Security office: Call Social Security’s main number and schedule an appointment for an interview at your local Social Security office at a convenient time for ...
- Applying online: You can apply online on Social Security’s website — provided you’re at least 64 years and nine months old, you don’t want to apply for retirement benefits at ...
Full Answer
What is the easiest way to sign up for Medicare?
Jan 01, 2022 · 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.
What is the best time to sign up for Medicare?
Jan 01, 2022 · Contact Social Security to sign up for Part B: Fill out Form CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B). Send the completed form to your local Social... Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. Contact your local Social Security office. If you or your spouse worked for a ...
What to bring to sign up for Medicare?
Oct 23, 2021 · You can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B in person at a Social Security office near you. You can also enroll online at www.ssa.gov., or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 . The Social Security Administration website features a Medicare section that allows you to perform a variety of tasks, including:
What documents do I need to sign up for Medicare?
You can use one of the following options to submit your enrollment request under the Special Enrollment Period: Go to “ Apply Online for Medicare Part B During a Special Enrollment Period ” and complete CMS-40B and CMS-L564. Then... Fax or mail your CMS-40B, CMS-L564, and secondary evidence to your ...
Your first chance to sign up (Initial Enrollment Period)
Generally, when you turn 65. This is called your 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.
Between January 1-March 31 each year (General Enrollment Period)
You can sign up between January 1-March 31 each year. This is called the General Enrollment Period. Your coverage starts July 1. You might pay a monthly late enrollment penalty, if you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Special Situations (Special Enrollment Period)
There are certain situations when you can sign up for Part B (and Premium-Part A) during a Special Enrollment Period without paying a late enrollment penalty. A Special Enrollment Period is only available for a limited time.
Joining a plan
A type of Medicare-approved health plan from a private company that you can choose to cover most of your Part A and Part B benefits instead of Original Medicare. It usually also includes drug coverage (Part D).
Do I need to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65?
It depends on how you get your health insurance now and the number of employees that are in the company where you (or your spouse) work.
How does Medicare work with my job-based health insurance?
Most people qualify to get Part A without paying a monthly premium. If you qualify, you can sign up for Part A coverage starting 3 months before you turn 65 and any time after you turn 65 — Part A coverage starts up to 6 months back from when you sign up or apply to get benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board).
Do I need to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D)?
You can get Medicare drug coverage once you sign up for either Part A or Part B. You can join a Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage anytime while you have job-based health insurance, and up to 2 months after you lose that insurance.
What happens if you don't sign up for Medicare?
If you choose not to sign up for Medicare Part A when you become eligible, a penalty may be assessed. This penalty depends on why you chose not to sign up. If you simply chose not to sign up when you were first eligible, your monthly premium — if you have to pay one — will increase by 10 percent for twice the number of years that you went without signing up . For example, if you waited two years to sign up, you will pay the late enrollment penalty for 4 years after signing up.
What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare is a public health insurance program designed for individuals age 65 and over and people with disabilities. The program covers hospitalization and other medical costs at free or reduced rates. The hospitalization portion, Medicare Part A, usually begins automatically at age 65. Other Medicare benefits require you to enroll.
Is there a penalty for not signing up for Medicare Part B?
If you choose not to sign up for Medicare Part B when you first become eligible, you could face a penalty that will last much longer than the penalty for Part A.
Does Medicare Advantage have penalties?
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) is optional and does not have penalties on its own, but penalties may be included for late enrollment in the parts of Medicare included within your Medicare Advantage plan.
Is Medicare mandatory at 65?
While Medicare isn’t necessarily mandatory, it is automatically offered in some situations, and may take some effort to opt out of.