Apply for Medicare

Many factors determine when you can apply and sign up for Medicare. For most, the Medicare sign-up process is straightforward. The first time you can apply for Medicare is when you turn 65. However, there are instances where you can become eligible for Medicare before age 65 (such as by collecting social security disability for 24 months)

Signing up for Medicare is simple. Three months before the month of your 65th birthday, your initial enrollment window (IEP) will open. This initial enrollment period (IEP) lasts through your birthday month and ends on the last day of the third month following. In total, your initial enrollment period lasts seven full months. This is a once-in-a-lifetime enrollment window that you do not want to miss.

If, for any reason, you happen to miss it, there are other opportunities to enroll. Keep in mind that no part of Medicare is mandatory. However, if you do not sign up when you are first eligible, you could incur Medicare late enrollment penalties when you eventually sign up. The only way around the late enrollment penalties that result from delaying Medicare enrollment is to have creditable coverage.

How to Apply for Medicare Part A and B

(You only need to Apply if you are NOT already collecting social security when you are about to turn 65)

By Phone

You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, to begin the process of enrolling in Medicare. You will need to tell the representative that you are calling to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare). From there, you will be instructed on how to complete your application. You may be required to provide documentation to prove your eligibility as well as a valid ID to confirm your identity and residence.

Online

Applying for Original Medicare online is one of the easiest ways to enroll in coverage. To apply online, you will need to fill out an online application at SSA.gov. From there, you will be prompted to submit your documentation and complete the necessary fields on the online application. If done correctly, your next step should be to receive your red, white, and blue card in the mail within a few weeks.

In Person

Before visiting your local Social Security Administration office, you should find out if they require an appointment for in-person visits. Once you arrive, you will be helped by a representative who will walk you through the application process step-by-step. Once your application is complete and you have shown all required documents, you should receive your card in 3-4 weeks, depending on processing times.

If you have previously been a railroad employee, you can enroll in Medicare by contacting the Railroad Retirement Board, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM at 1-877-772-5772.
Medicare applications generally take between 30-60 days to obtain approval.