How to Enroll In Medicare - A Simple Guide
The process of signing up for Medicare can be confusing because it isn’t the same for everyone. Some people will be automatically enrolled, while others have to actively sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. To make it even more stressful, there are penalties involved if you make a mistake!
If you are Receiving Social Security Payments
If you are already receiving Social Security payments you will automatically be enrolled into Medicare Part A and Part B. Expect to receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail roughly 3 months before your 65th birthday.
If you haven’t received yours by that time, we recommend calling Social Security to double check that it is being sent to the correct address. Once you have your Medicare card you just need to pick your additional insurance to go with it.
Enroll in Medicare Online At 65
If you are not receiving social security payments you have to sign up for Medicare manually. The easiest way to do that is to apply online using the following steps:
Step 1: Go to Social Security’s website here: www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare
Step 2: Click on “Apply For Medicare Only”
Step 3: Click “Start a New Application”
Step 4: Fill out all of your information and click submit.
Here is a checklist of the information you will need in order to complete the online application: https://www.ssa.gov/hlp/isba/10/isba-checklist.pdf
Enroll in Medicare Online After Age 65
Let’s say you worked past age 65, and now you are ready to leave your employer coverage, retire, and go onto Medicare. You have one extra step when you apply.
Step 1: Get your Employment Verification Form, called CMS-L564, signed by your employer before apply for Medicare. This proves you’ve had coverage since turning 65, so you won’t pay any penalties. Here’s a link to the form
Step 2: Go to Social Security’s website here: www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare
Step 3: Click on “Apply For Medicare Only”
Step 4: Click “Start a New Application”
Step 5: Fill out all of your information, attached the CMS-L564 Employment Verification Form and click submit.
Enroll in Medicare In-Person
Call Social Security at (800) 772-1213 to schedule your in-person appointment. They’ll take care of the paperwork. If you worked past age 65, you will still need to get an Employer Verification form signed by your HR department or manager, and bring it to your appointment. Here’s the link to the Employer Verification Form
You can also go without an appointment to your nearest Social Security office. At many locations if you arrive before they open, you’ll be able to get in without an appointment. This is recommended only as a last resort.
IMPORTANT: Get your application summary
Always ask for an “Application Summary” to prove your Medicare Number and effective dates. This is a confirmation that Social Security completed your enrollment correctly.
FAQs
What's the Easiest Way to Apply for Medicare?
Enrolling for Medicare online is definitely the easiest way, BUT not everyone is able to do the enrollment online.
Are There Penalties If I Don't Apply for Medicare?
Yes once you turn 65 or retire you should have Medicare coverage or will incur penalties which you’ll have to pay for life.
Can I Call Social Security To Enroll in Medicare?
No, you either have to apply online or in-person.
Next Steps:
Once you enroll in your Medicare Part A and B, you can then begin the process of enrolling in your Part D Drug Plan and either a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage Plan. Neither Social Security nor Medicare is able to assist you with this because they don’t have the proper licensing and certification. Schedule an appointment with us to compare plans and prices in your area.