A person can sign up for Medicare parts A and B online when they turn 65. To apply online, a person will need to visit the Social Security Administration’s website to start the process.
Most people can sign up for Medicare online. However, the Medicare website outlines some instances in which a person cannot apply online.
This article will discuss who can apply for Medicare online, how to do so, and how a person can check their application status. It also answers some frequently asked questions.
People can sign up for Medicare parts A and B online when they first become eligible, which is usually when they turn 65 years old. Those under the age of 65 may be eligible for Medicare if they receive disability benefits or have end stage kidney disease.
If a person’s application is approved, they will automatically get Part A coverage, and once they are eligible, they will not have to pay a premium. They will also receive automatic enrollment in Part B coverage. Part B coverage requires a person to pay a monthly premium, and they can choose whether they want to keep it.
People may not be able to sign up for Medicare online if they sign up during the special enrollment period. A person can learn more about their specific situation on the Medicare website.
If a person cannot apply online, they may need to download a specific form and mail it to their local Social Security office.
Enrollment periods
There are various enrollment periods:
- Initial enrollment period: This begins 3 months before a person turns 65 years old and ends 3 months after they turn 65.
- Special enrollment period: A person can apply from November 1st through January 15th. However, this is available only in specific situations.
- General enrollment period: A person can apply for Medicare from January 1st through March 31st each year. However, penalties may apply.
A person can find out when they should enroll by answering questions on the Medicare website.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a person will need to provide the following information when signing up for Medicare:
- their Social Security number
- where they were born, including the city, state, and country
- the start and end dates for any group health plans they currently have
- the start and end dates for any group health plans they will have after age 65
A person will also need to provide a valid email address and their existing Medicare number if they are signing up for Medicare Part B.
To apply for Medicare online, a person can take the following steps:
- Go to the SSA’s website and select “Sign up for Medicare.”
- Select “Apply online.”
- Review and agree to the terms of service, and then select “Next.”
- Select “Start a new application.”
- Create or sign in to a “my Social Security” account.
- Fill out the application.
- Read through the application to check for accuracy.
- Accept the agreement and select “Submit now.”
A person will receive a receipt for the application, and they can then review information about their next steps.
Adding Part B coverage if a person has lost their job-based coverage
If a person already has Part A coverage and wishes to add Part B coverage because they have lost their job-based coverage, they should apply online using the SSA’s website and ask the employer to fill out form CMS L564.
If an employer cannot fill out the form, a person should complete section B but avoid signing it. They will also need to submit proof of their job-based health insurance.
A person can visit the SSA website to begin the application process for Part B.
A person can check their application status by logging in to their online Medicare account. Alternatively, a person may be able to check via their online Social Security account.
Alternative method
A person can use the automated phone assistance by calling 1-800-772-1213. After hearing “How can I help you today?” a person should respond with “application status.”
Two additional options are to call Medicare customer service at 1-800-633-4227 and to visit the local Social Security office.
After signing up, a person will receive a welcome package, which will contain a Medicare card and number.
The Medicare number is necessary to create a Medicare account, through which a person can buy supplemental insurance such as Medicare parts C and D.
A person can sign in to their Medicare account to explore further options.
What is the best site to sign up for Medicare?
A person can sign up for Medicare through the Social Security Administration website.
Do I call my local Social Security office to apply for Medicare?
A person can apply for Medicare over the phone. To do this, they can call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative that they want to sign up for either Medicare Part A or Medicare parts A and B.
People with hearing loss can call TTY 1-800-325-0778.
Does Social Security automatically enroll you in Medicare?
Some people receive automatic enrollment in Medicare when they apply for retirement or disability benefits from either Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
A person can apply for Medicare online by visiting the SSA’s website. After following the steps on the site, a person will receive a receipt for the application and can review the information about the next steps.
A person can check the status of their application online by signing in to their online Medicare account or Social Security account.
Once their application is approved, a person can buy further insurance coverage options such as Medicare parts C and D.
Medicare resources
For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.