medicare enrollment
Do not be dismayed about all you will read here. It takes longer to read this than to do it!
You can call Social Security and sign up on the phone OR you can do it yourself online. Instructions for both are listed here.
Signing up for Medicare involves a few key steps. Here’s what you need to do:
- Determine Your Eligibility
Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65 or if they have certain disabilities or conditions (like End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS).
- Know Your Enrollment Period
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after (7 months total).
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP):If you delayed Medicare because you had employer coverage, you can enroll later without penalties.
- General Enrollment Period (GEP):If you missed your IEP, you can sign up from January 1 – March 31, but coverage starts July 1 and late penalties may apply.
- Choose Your Medicare Coverage
- Original Medicare (Part A & Part B):Covers hospital and medical services.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C):A private plan that includes Parts A & B and often Part D.
- Medicare Part D:Prescription drug coverage.
- Medigap (Supplemental Plans):Helps cover out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare. Each Plan is labeled with a letter – A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each letter provides a different level of coverage.
- Do not confuse Medicare Partletters with Medigap Plan
- Sign Up for Medicare
- If You’re Already Receiving Social Security:You’re automatically enrolled in Parts A & B.
- If You Need to Enroll Yourself:Apply through Social Security:
- Online at ssa.gov/medicare
- OR call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
- OR In person at your local Social Security office
- Info you need to provide to sign up for Medicare
Basic info about yourself
Social Security Number & birthplace
Health Insurance Info –
Start & end dates of any current group health plans
Start & end dates for any group health plans after age 65
For Part B only sign up
Valid email address
Your existing Medicare number
If you decide not to sign up for Medicare online, here is the info you need to call. The Social Security Administration (SSA) phone line is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (local time).
You can call them at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
For faster service, it’s best to call earlier in the day or later in the week, as Mondays tend to be the busiest.