Original Medicare
When Enrolling Before You Turn 65
If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits at least four months before you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B (you can take a deep sigh of relief). Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail three to four months before your 65th birthday, and coverage begins the first day of your birth month (or the previous month if your birthday is on the 1st).
If you’re not receiving Social Security or RRB benefits, you’ll need to actively enroll in Medicare via one of the following methods:
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- The fastest and most common way is to apply online through the Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t have one (you don’t have to wait until you’re ready for Medicare to create an account). Simply click on the link titled “Apply for Medicare” and follow the steps.
- You can also enroll by calling the Social Security administration at 1-800-772-1213.
- Lastly, you can schedule an appointment with your local Social Security office.
People who qualify for Medicare due to a disability (under age 65) are usually enrolled automatically after receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months. However, if you’re enrolling because you’ve developed End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS, the enrollment process and timing may differ and often requires more direct coordination with Social Security or Medicare directly so an appointment with your local Social Security office is recommended.
When Enrolling After 65
Typically, this applies to individuals or their spouses who have continued to work past their 65th birthday and have chosen to remain on their employer group health plan. With retirement coming up, you will be losing your employer group health plan and you will have to proactively apply for Medicare (unless you have recently applied for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits). The steps you have to take depends on whether you are already actively enrolled in Medicare Part A. Many people enroll into Part A when they turn 65 since it’s typically no monthly premium.
Steps to Apply for Medicare When You DON’T Have Part A
The steps are the same as someone applying before they turn 65 – click here to go back to the section above
Steps to Apply for Medicare Part B (When You Already Have Part A)
1. Determine Your Enrollment Period
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Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): You can enroll if you’re still within the 7-month window around your 65th birthday.
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Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you delayed Part B because you had creditable employer coverage, you can apply without penalty when that coverage ends.
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General Enrollment Period (GEP): Runs January 1 – March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1 (possible penalties may apply).
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2. Complete the Necessary Forms
If you’re applying during a Special Enrollment Period, such as losing employer coverage, you’ll need:
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Form CMS-40B – Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B.
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Form CMS-L564 – Request for Employment Information (completed by your employer to verify coverage).
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We can get the forms for you or they can both be downloaded from medicare.gov or ssa.gov.
3. Submit the Forms to Social Security
You have a few options:
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Upload Online: www.ssa.gov
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Fax to: 1-833-914-2016
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Mail the completed forms to your local Social Security office
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In Person: Schedule an appointment with Social Security
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