It only takes about 10 minutes to sign up for Medicare online. Click the video for a step-by-step guide or keep reading for a summary.
When enrolling in Medicare for the first time, you can sign up at www.ssa.gov. You’ll have the option to enroll in both Social Security retirement benefits AND Medicare benefits…OR…just “Medicare Only”.
NOTE: If you’re already receiving Social Security retirement benefits at least 4 months prior to turning age 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B. Your red, white, and blue Medicare card will arrive by mail about 3 1/2 months prior to the 1st of the month of your birthday month.
NOTE: If you intend to enroll in Social Security retirement benefits at the same time that you enroll in Medicare, then watch our video titled, Enroll in Social Security & Medicare at the Same Time.
Create a My Social Security Account First
You need a My Social Security account first in order to complete an online application for Medicare and/or Social Security retirement benefits. Be sure to complete this step, if you haven’t do so already. You can follow the instructions detailed in our video below (How to Create a My Social Security Account (using Login.gov).
How to Create a My Social Security Account (using Login.gov)
Complete the Application
When you’re ready to begin the “Medicare Only” application, you can apply for benefits by clicking “Start a New Application”. There, you’ll enter some general information about yourself. Then you’ll move on through the application where you have a few options:
If you want Part A (hospital) only
Part A is assumed when completing an online application for Medicare. It won’t ask if you want Part A. But when the question about enrolling in Part B comes around, you’ll need to answer NO to Part B.
If you want Part A (hospital) AND Part B (medical/outpatient)
Answer YES to the question about enrolling in Part B on the application. This will give you both Part A & Part B.
If you want Medicare AND Social Security benefits
You can enroll in both Medicare and Social Security on the same application.
Part A is automatic when you enroll in Social Security benefits and are also Medicare-eligible.
If you want Part B, you’ll have the option to add Part B as well.
Remember to watch our video at the top of the page for a breakdown of all the questions asked throughout the application.
Check the Application Status (Benefit verification Letter)
Once the application is complete, you can check the status of your enrollment anytime in your My Social Security account. Simply click the “Benefit Verification Letter” link to see if your Medicare enrollment has been completed or if an application for benefits is still processing.
If the letter shows your Part A and/or Part B start date and your Medicare # is visible, your Medicare card is on its way. Generally speaking, you can expect your Medicare card to arrive by mail within 4-6 weeks (sometimes sooner, sometimes it takes longer).
Note: The Benefit Verification Letter is proof of Medicare coverage, so you can use it to move forward with signing up for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, Part D prescription drug plan, or Medicare Advantage plan. You don’t necessarily have to wait for your Medicare card to arrive by mail if your Medicare number and start dates are displayed on the Benefit Verification Letter.
Medicare Card
Depending on which parts you enrolled in, you’ll get a Medicare card in the mail showing either Part A only…OR…both Part A and Part B. Reference the example Medicare card to see the layout.
If you have additional questions, CONTACT US today.
Reference Links
www.socialsecurity.gov (www.ssa.gov)
www.medicare.gov
Medicare Only Application
What is a My Social Security Account
Create a My Social Security Account
