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how to Apply for Medicare

You can apply for Medicare online at SSA.gov in less than 10 minutes. When you visit the Social Security Administration site, you can fill out the online application to enroll in Medicare. Usually, you do not need any documents to apply for Medicare. Social Security will process your application and contact you if they need more information.

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Who Can Apply for Medicare?

You may be able to sign up for Medicare online in various circumstances. Most often, people over age 65 may be able to apply for Medicare. If you are younger, but have a recognized and approved disability, you may qualify to apply for Medicare sooner. This also applies to those who have permanent kidney failure. If you delayed enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B because you were still working, you may be eligible to apply for Medicare now.
 
You can apply for Medicare online, but you can also apply in other ways. That includes applying via mail (necessary forms will be required), or over the phone.

 

apply for medicare senior man on tablet

What To Expect From the Medicare Application Process

To apply for Medicare, you can go to SSS.gov or socialsecurity.gov to access the necessary forms and a formal application. You’ll need to set up a MySocialSecurity Account if you have not done so prior to this. It’s easy enough to do following the instructions on the screen.
 
Then, you’ll need to click on the link for Medicare Enrollment. On that page, you’ll find the Apply for Medicare Only link. Click on it and read the Terms of Service. Then, fill out all requested information to apply for benefits. You may need to be within your Medicare enrollment period to apply.

Do I have to sign up for Medicare?

You can defer enrollment in Medicare Part B. However, delaying Part B can result in late enrollment penalties.

When can I sign up for Medicare?

When can you apply for Medicare? You can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period. You are first eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 and can sign up during this 7-month period:

  • 3 months before the month you turn 65
  • The month you turn 65
  • 3 months after the month you turn 65

To avoid a gap in coverage, you should enroll in Medicare prior to the month you turn 65. If you wait until the month you turn 65 or during the last 3 months of your Initial Enrollment Period, your coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up.

Furthermore, if you do not sign up for Medicare Part B when you are first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty. Learn when to enroll in Medicare Part B.

Common questions about medicare

How do I sign up for Medicare Part A only?

When you enroll in Medicare you sign up for Part A. However, Medicare Parts B, C, and D are optional so you can delay enrollment without penalty if you have credible coverage.

How to sign up for Medicare Part B?

You can apply for Medicare Part B by filling out an online application at SSA.org, calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, TTY 711, or visiting your local Social Security office.

How to sign up for Medicare Part D?

You must first be enrolled in either Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B. Then you can apply for Medicare Part D by calling Senior Healthcare Direct at 1-855-368-4717, TTY 711.

Do I have to sign up for Medicare Part B?

You can defer enrollment in Medicare Part B. However, delaying Part B can result in late enrollment penalties.

Common questions about medicare

When you enroll in Medicare you sign up for Part A. However, Medicare Parts B, C, and D are optional so you can delay enrollment without penalty if you have credible coverage.

You can apply for Medicare Part B by filling out an online application at SSA.org, calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office.

You must first be enrolled in either Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B. Then you can apply for Medicare Part D by calling Senior Healthcare Direct at 1-855-368-4717.

You do not have to apply for Medicare Part B. You can have only Medicare Part A. However, when you decide to get Medicare Part B, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

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