Although an online application is the most convenient for many, there are reasons you may not want to apply online, including any of the following scenarios: You don’t want to send precious documents, like your original birth certificate, through the mail. You have questions surrounding Medicare.
Full Answer
Can I apply for Medicare online?
Applying online for Medicare benefits offers several advantages: You can start your application immediately — you do not have to wait for an appointment. You can apply from the comfort of your home, or from any computer. You can avoid a trip to a Social Security office, saving you time and money.
Should I apply for Medicare over the phone or in person?
If you apply over the phone, you will need to send in documents such as your original birth certificate to verify your identity. If this makes you nervous, applying in person is probably your best bet. 3. Applying for Medicare in person
How do I know if my Medicare application has been approved?
If your application has been approved, you’ll receive a red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. Your card will show your name, Medicare number, which Medicare plans you benefit from, and the start dates for each plan.
How do I enroll in Medicare if I don’t have Social Security?
Go directly to your local Social Security office and inform the Social Security agent that you are not able to open a Social Security account and are locked out and you need help. Let’s go over the process of enrolling in Medicare at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare. Social Security will ask if you have a have a “My Social Security account.”
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.
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.
What is the deadline to apply for Medicare?
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.
How do I know if my Medicare application went through?
You can also call Social Security at 800-722-1213 to check on your status. You'll receive a decision letter in the mail when Social Security is done processing your application. You'll also receive your Medicare card in the mail, as long as your application was approved.
What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?
What documents do I need to enroll in Medicare?your Social Security number.your date and place of birth.your citizenship status.the name and Social Security number of your current spouse and any former spouses.the date and place of any marriages or divorces you've had.More items...
How many months in advance should you apply for Social Security benefits?
four monthsIf you were born on the first or second day of the month, you meet this requirement in the month of your 62nd birthday. If you were born on any other day of the month, you do not meet this requirement until the following month. You can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start.
What happens if I miss the Medicare deadline?
But what happens if you miss the December deadline? Do you have to wait until next year's OEP to make changes? If you haven't modified your existing Medicare coverage during the OEP, it will roll over automatically and remain in effect through the new year as long as you continue paying any necessary premiums.
Does Medicare coverage start the month you turn 65?
Your one-time Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts on the first day of the month you turn 65 and have Medicare Part B. Signing up for Medigap during Open Enrollment means the insurance company cannot deny you coverage based on your health.
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 do I create a Medicare account?
1. Go to the MyMedicare.gov Account Creation PageLook for the Log In button on the top right corner of the site.Click Log In.From the login screen, click Create an Account Now.
How do I contact Medicare?
(800) 633-4227Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services / Customer service
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.
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap). Medigap plans are optional coverage you can purchase to help cover the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare. You can apply for a Medigap plan online after you’ve enrolled in parts A and B.
What is Medicare Extra Help?
Medicare Extra Help is a program to help Medicare members with limited incomes pay the costs of Medicare Part D. You’ll need to be enrolled in both original Medicare and Part D to apply. You can apply for the Extra Help program using your My Social Security account. The Extra Help application can be completed online.
How long does it take to get a Social Security card?
You’ll also receive your Medicare card in the mail, as long as your application was approved. It generally takes less than a month from the time you apply to the time you receive your card in the mail.
What is Medicare Part D?
Part D. Medicare Part D is prescription drug insurance. Just like Part C, you’ll need to be enrolled in Medicare parts A and B before you can pick a Part D plan. You can then enroll in a plan online using the Medicare website. Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap).
How to apply for Medicare online?
First, go to the Medicare or Social Security website and follow the instructions for applying online. You can also make an appointment with someone at your local Social Security office or call the local SSA office to sign up. However, applying online is more convenient.
How long do you have to sign up for Medicare?
You have an initial period of seven months to sign up for Medicare without facing a penalty: three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65 and the three months following the month you turn 65. For example, if your birthday is October 5, then you can sign up for Medicare from July 1 to January 31.
When did Medicare come into existence?
In reality, the law that brought Medicare into being was actually a 1965 amendment to the Social Security Act of 1935. Medicare falls under the jurisdiction of the Social Security Administration for purposes of enrollment. You can use the Medicare website to manage your coverage.
Is it bad to get lost on Medicare?
In fact, getting lost may not be such a bad thing. Each article on the Medicare website leads to additional subarticles that can help you understand your coverage options, as well as your rights and responsibilities under the law. Spend some time getting to know the website when you first sign up for Medicare.
Is it difficult to sign up for Medicare online?
For people who are unfamiliar with navigating websites, signing up for Medicare online can seem challenging at first. At first glance, there’s a lot of information displayed all at once. This keeps some people from using this helpful website to manage their Medicare benefits. The Medicare website was created to help people check the status of claims, learn more about eligibility requirements and streamline the process of getting coverage.
How to check my Medicare application?
How to check your Medicare application online. If you applied for Medicare online, you can check the status of your application through your Medicare or Social Security account. You can also visit the Check Enrollment page on Medicare.gov and find information about your enrollment status by entering your: ZIP code. Medicare number.
How to change Medicare plan when you get it in mail?
When you get your Medicare card in the mail, make sure the information is correct. Contact Social Security if you want to change your plan. There may be fees included in changing plans or adding additional coverage if you didn’t do it when you were eligible.
How to check Medicare Part D enrollment?
date of birth. Medicare Part A effective date. You can also check the status of your application by visiting or calling a Social Security office. You can ask your pharmacy to check the status of your Medicare Part D enrollment by sending a test claim. You can also call the Member Services department ...
How long does it take to get a Medicare card?
You’ll receive your card within about 3 weeks from the date you apply for Medicare. You should carry your card with you whenever you’re away from home.
When do you start receiving Medicare benefits?
Your benefits may not start until 3 months after applying, so it’s important to apply 3 months before your 65th birthday to start receiving coverage that day. If you already collect Social Security income benefits or Railroad Retirement Benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65.
What to do if your application has been denied?
Once your application has been reviewed, you should receive a letter in the mail to confirm whether you’ve been enrolled in the program or not. If your application has been denied, the letter will explain why this decision was made and what to do next.
Is the application process free?
The application is completely free. Once you apply, you’ll be able to check on the status of your application at any time. This article explains how to check on your application to make sure it’s being processed.
Help Toni
I’m turning 65 in July and last week I tried to open a “My Social Security” account to enroll in Medicare online but my Social Security account is blocked. Two years ago, someone falsely filed for a tax refund with my Social Security number and now anything to do with my credit report, Social Security number or IRS information is blocked.
Great question, Jodie
There is a new Social Security link to apply for Medicare online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare to enroll for your Medicare to begin the first day of the month you turn 65.
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.
How to get back into my application?
Follow these steps to return to your application: Go back to the online application by using this link: On the first page of the application, select “Return to Saved Application Process.”. Enter your “Re-entry Number” and Social Security number.
How to get a Social Security number?
If you are filing for yourself and have lost or forgotten your re-entry number, you can get it by: 1 Logging in to or creating a personal my Social Security account. 2 Selecting the “Need a Re-entry Number” link found within the details section under the “Your Benefit Applications” table to retrieve your re-entry number. You can access your saved application by selecting the “Return to Saved Application” link.
How to return to saved application?
On the first page of the application, select “Return to Saved Application Process.”. Enter your “Re-entry Number” and Social Security number. You will be able to continue completing your application. If you are filing for yourself and have lost or forgotten your re-entry number, you can get it by:
Creating An Account with Medicare.gov
Why Can’T You Sign Up For Medicare Using Medicare’s Own website?
- In reality, the law that brought Medicare into being was actually a 1965 amendment to the Social Security Act of 1935. Medicare falls under the jurisdiction of the Social Security Administration for purposes of enrollment. You can use the Medicare website to manage your coverage. But you must sign up initially through the SSA. If you’re not quite r...
Initial Enrollment Steps
- Once you’re eligible to enroll in Medicare, you should take advantage of the social insurance program. You’ve most likely already paid into the system by working at a job that deducts Medicare payroll taxes from your paychecks. Even if you haven’t paid into the system, Medicare can still be a more affordable health insurance option than private or work-based insurance. Plu…
Additional Resources
- Where can you find additional resources and information about Medicare? Aside from the bounty of information offered by Medicare’s own website, you can find a lot of helpful articles on various websites designed specifically for Medicare beneficiaries and senior citizens. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees the administration of Medicare. Their website is …
Conducting Your Own Research
- You can get lost easily while exploring the Medicare website. But keep in mind that you can always return to the home page and start again by clicking on the large link in the top left corner of each page. In fact, getting lost may not be such a bad thing. Each article on the Medicare website leads to additional subarticles that can help you understand your coverage options, as well as y…