How To Sign Up For Medicare

There are three types of Medicare plans that all have different ways of signing up. Each of these plans also has different enrollment periods. If you’re new to Medicare, delaying your enrollment could result in various penalties and fees. It’s helpful to set reminders for these important dates, especially when signing up for Medicare for the first time.

Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A hospital insurance and Medicare Part B medical insurance.

If you already collect Social Security retirement benefits, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. No further action is required.

Your coverage will begin the first day of the month you turn 65.

There are a few different ways to sign up for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B if you are not automatically enrolled.

Medicare Part A and Part B are also called Original Medicare.

If you worked at a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 (TTY users 1-312-751-4701) to sign up.

If you are not automatically enrolled, the best time to sign up for Medicare is during your initial enrollment period.

This is a seven-month window that begins three months before the first day of the month of your 65th birthday, includes your birth month and ends three months after your birthday.

Signing up for Medicare online through the Social Security Administration is the fastest way to apply.

Enrollment takes less than 10 minutes online, according to the Social Security Administration.

You will be asked to provide your current health insurance information or, if you receive Medicaid benefits, your Medicaid number.

After you’re enrolled, CMS will send you a welcome packet in the mail along with your Medicare card.

If you sign up for Medicare on your own, the packet should arrive about two weeks after you sign up.

You will also receive a “Medicare & You” handbook, which includes important information about your coverage.

You should enroll in Part A when you’re first eligible near your 65^th birthday, but some people may choose to delay Part B.

If you receive group health insurance at work — or through your spouse’s employer — you may be able to delay enrollment in Part B.

But once you stop working or that coverage ends, you must sign up for Part B within eight months. Otherwise, you’ll face a late enrollment penalty.

If you enroll in Part B after your group health insurance ends, you have options for how to apply.

You can do so online through an application on the Social Security website or by mail.

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778) for help or more information.

Once you are enrolled in Original Medicare, you can explore additional coverage options.

Medicare Part D, Medigap and Medicare Advantage are all administered by private insurance companies that contract with CMS.

You can apply for these benefits online.

Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to explore and compare plans in your area.

Most people sign up for Medicare during the seven-month initial enrollment period around their 65^th birthday.

But what if you missed your initial enrollment period and want to make changes or add additional coverage?

There are specific times each year when you can do this.

After you sign up for Medicare, you can create a MyMedicare.gov account to manage your coverage.

Creating an account on MyMedicare.gov is quick and easy.

Medicare Part D drug coverage is optional and available to anyone with Medicare Part A and Part B.

In both cases, you must already be enrolled in Original Medicare.

You can explore and compare available Part D plans on the Medicare website.

You can also call your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free help.

Once you find a plan that meets your needs, there are a few ways to sign up.

To sign up for a Medicare Part D plan, you will need your Medicare number and the date your Part A and Part B coverage started. You can find this information on your Medicare card or on MyMedicare.gov.

Coverage usually begins the first day of the month after enrollment.

If you switch plans during the open enrollment period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7), your new coverage will start Jan. 1.

If you prefer to get your health coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan, you must first enroll in Original Medicare Part A and Part B and then switch to a separate Medicare Advantage plan.

All Medicare Advantage plans must offer the same Medicare Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare, but some plans include other benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental and vision.

Medicare Advantage Plans do not all offer the same benefits.

Use the Medicare Plan Finder or call your local SHIP representative to compare plans in your area.

To join a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need your Medicare number and the date your Part A and Part B coverage began.

To purchase a Medigap supplement insurance policy, you must first enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B.

Medigap policies are not required but enrolling in one can help you pay out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is when you are first eligible.

This is a six-month enrollment period that begins the month you’re 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

If you apply for Medigap coverage after this six-month window, private insurance companies may not sell you a policy if you’re in poor health.

You can find a Medigap policy by using an online tool on the Medicare website, contacting your local SHIP or calling your State Insurance Department.

The cost of Medigap policies can vary widely. Insurance companies may charge different premiums for the exact same coverage.

Make sure to get quotes from multiple insurers before purchasing a policy.

Visit our Medicare FAQ page to view more frequently asked questions.