How do i sign up on medicare

If you are 65 but are not receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, you will need to actively enroll in Medicare.

Signing up for Medicare

Follow the steps below if you need to actively enroll in Medicare.

If you decide to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up for Parts A and/or B by:

• Visiting your local Social Security office
• Calling Social Security at 800-772-1213
• Mailing a signed and dated letter to Social Security that includes your name, Social Security number, and the date you would like to be enrolled in Medicare
• Or, by applying online at www.ssa.gov

If you are eligible for Railroad Retirement benefits, enroll in Medicare by calling the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) or contacting your local RRB field office.

Keep proof of when you tried to enroll in Medicare, to protect yourself from incurring a Part B premium penalty if your application is lost.

• Take down the names of any representatives you speak to, along with the time and date of the conversation.
• If you enroll through the mail, use certified mail and request a return receipt.
• If you enroll at your local Social Security office, ask for a written receipt.
• If you apply online, print out and save your confirmation page.

Related Answers

• How to enroll in Medicare if you are turning 65 without Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits

  If you neglect to sign up during your IEP, you will get another chance to sign up during Medicare’s annual general enrollment period. This lasts from Jan. 1 through March 31 of each year. Starting in 2023, your coverage will begin the month after you enroll during the general enrollment period. But because you are enrolling late, your monthly premiums for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits and other outpatient services, will likely be higher.

  If you started receiving Social Security benefits before age 65, when you turn 65 you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A (which covers hospitalizations) and Part B. Your monthly premium will be automatically deducted from your monthly Social Security payment.

  Note that some people younger than 65 can qualify for Medicare if they receive certain disability benefits or have certain specific conditions, such as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

  What if you already have health insurance?

  Even if you are turning 65, you may not have to enroll in Medicare. Here are circumstances under which you can delay enrolling and not face any late penalties.

  • You are still working and have comprehensive health insurance through your employer.
  • Your spouse is working and you are covered under her or his health insurance.

  Even if you have employer-based insurance, your company may require that you enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, and your work insurance becomes a secondary program that fills gaps in Medicare coverage. You should check with your employer to be sure.

  Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to enroll in Medicare or to ask questions about whether you are eligible. You can also visit their web site at www.socialsecurity.gov.

  The Medicare.gov Web site also has a tool to help you determine if you are eligibile for Medicare and when you can enroll.  It is called the Medicare Eligibility Tool.

  If you already receive benefits from Social Security:

  If you already get benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you are automatically entitled to Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) starting the first day of the month you turn age 65. You will not need to do anything to enroll. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If your 65th birthday is February 20, 2010, your Medicare effective date would be February 1, 2010. (Note: if your birthday is on the 1st day of any month, Medicare Part A and Part B will be effective the 1st day of the prior month. For example, if your 65th birthday is February 1, 2010, your Medicare effective date would be January 1, 2010.)

  If you are not getting Social Security benefits:

  If you are not getting Social Security benefits, you can apply for retirement benefits online. If you would like to file for Medicare only, you can apply by calling 1-800-772-1213.

  If you are under age 65 and disabled, and have been entitled to disability benefits under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months, you will be automatically entitled to Medicare Part A and Part B beginning the 25th month of disability benefit entitlement. You will not need to do anything to enroll in Medicare. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your Medicare entitlement date. (Note: If you are under age 65 and have Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), you get your Medicare benefits the first month you get disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.) For more information about enrollment, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the Social Security web site. See also Social Security's Medicare FAQs.