There are two enrollment options: 1. You are turning 65 2. You are over age 65, looking to retire and start Medicare? Option 1 You are turning 65, when can I sign up and how? During your Initial Enrollment period. This is a 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. Your sign-up options are as follows: 1. Apply online through the Social Security Administration website- www.ssa.gov. It takes less than 10 minutes. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your applica- tion and contact you if they need more information. Click on first blue link below to see How to Apply Online for Medicare Instructions. 2. Apply in person – Visit your local Social Security office. (you can call first to make an appointment or wait in line). Social Security Office Locator https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
3. Apply by phone with Social Security – 1- 800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. After your application has been submitted and approved you will receive an enrollment confirma - tion letter within 2 - 2.5 weeks followed by your Red, White and Blue Medicare Health Insurance Card. Note: If you are already collect- ing Social Security benefits, you will get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you are first eligible and do not need to sign up. Medicare will send you a “Welcome to Medicare” packet 3 months before you turn 65. Note: If you have medical insur- ance coverage under a group health plan based on your or your spouse’s current employment, you may choose to delay enroll- ing into Medicare Part A and Part B at age 65. The size of the employer determines whether you may be able to delay Part A and Part B without having to pay a penalty if you enroll later. Click on second blue link below to see requirements.
First things first- Applying for Medicare
Image of typical Medicare Health Insurance Card
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/how-do-i-get-parts-a-b/should-i-get-parts-a-b https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/ready-to-sign-up-for-part-a-part-b https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10531.pdf
The month you turn 65 Initial Enrollment Period Chart Month before the month you turn 65 Month after the month you turn 65
3 2 1 Months before the month you turn 65 Months before the month you turn 65
Months after the month you turn 65 Months after the month you turn 65 If you wait until the last 4 months of your Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A (if you have to buy it) and/or Part B, your coverage will be delayed. 1 1 1
Sign up early to avoid a delay in coverage. To get Part A (if you have to buy it) and/or Part B the month you turn 65, you must sign up during the first 3 months before the month you turn 65.
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