If you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits when you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about three months before your 65th birthday.

However, if you are not receiving Social Security or RRB benefits when you turn 65 (for example if you are still working), you will not be automatically enrolled in Medicare. You will need to actively sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts for seven months.

Here’s how to do it.

What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?

First, you want to make sure you have all the documents you need to complete your Medicare application. A few of the most important Medicare documents are listed below: 

• Proof of United States citizenship or proof of legal residence if you were not born in the U.S.;
• Birth certificate; 
• All current relevant health insurance information (if applicable); 
• W-2 and other employment information (if applicable);
• Discharge U.S military documentation ( if applicable and only if you served before 1968);
• Your Social Security card (if you are actively receiving benefits);  

How and where do I sign up for Medicare? 

Now that you have all the necessary documentation in order, you have 3 options to choose from to sign up for Medicare. These options are outlined below: 

Apply for Medicare online: 

You are able to apply for Medicare online if you are within 3 months of your 65th birthday (or older), reside in the United States, and do not want to apply for Social Security benefits. 

The online process takes between 10-30 minutes. You are able to start the online Medicare application, save it, and return to it later on. 

The only way to sign up for Medicare online is by applying through the Social Security website. Other websites and companies may offer to process your Medicare application but instead will simply collect your personal information for marketing purposes. 

Apply for Medicare through the official Social Security secured site here 

Apply for Medicare by phone: 

You are able to apply for Medicare by phone. Be prepared as the wait time may be very long. There is an option to schedule an appointment by phone. This will allow you to set up a time that is convenient for you and avoid long wait times. 

Apply for Medicare through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)

Applying for Medicare by phone may be a longer process compared to online or in-person applications, as Medicare forms will usually need to be mailed to you. You will then need to fill out the forms and mail them back. This may take up to several weeks. 

Apply for Medicare in-person: 

You are able to apply for Medicare in person. This is a good option if your 65th birthday is coming up soon or if you want to apply for Medicare as quickly as possible. In order to apply for Medicare in person, you will need to go to your local Social Security office. 

Search for local Social Security offices here. Do not forget to bring the important documents we outlined earlier, as you will need them to complete the application. 

How do I sign up for Medicare if I receive disability benefits? 

If you receive Social Security disability benefits, in many cases, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) when you become eligible.

You will typically receive a “Welcome to Medicare” package in the mail from the Social Security Administration about three months before your Medicare coverage begins. This package will include important information about your Medicare enrollment.

If you do not receive an automatic enrollment notice or have specific questions about your Medicare eligibility or enrollment, contact Social Security or visit the official Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov.

What happens if I don’t apply for Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period?

If you don’t sign up for Medicare when you are first eligible but you have another creditable coverage (like some employer-sponsored health insurance), you can sign up later during the Special Enrollment Period.

If you don’t have other creditable coverage and miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you still have the chance to enroll during the General Enrollment Period that lasts from January 1st to March 31 every year. However, you might face fees called Medicare late enrollment penalties:

• If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part A on time, your monthly premium will go up 10% for twice the amount of time you missed (for example if you missed one year you will be paying a higher premium for 2 years);
• For Part B, the penalty is 10% for each year missed.

Article updated on October 3rd, 2023.