Need to Apply for Medicare?

Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment, you are 65 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.  Or have ALS, ESRD or have been on SSDI Disability for 24+ months.

The easiest way to sign up for Medicare is generally online through the Social Security Administration website.  You can either create a mySocialSecurity account or fill out the necessary forms directly on the site. This method is typically quick and efficient, often taking around 10-30 minutes to complete. 

SSA.gov - Official PDF Instruction Booklet

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10530.pdf

(Phone/Tablet Size Friendly)

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Online Medicare Application:

• Visit the Social Security Administration (.gov) website at www.SSA.gov/Medicare or more directly at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
• Create a mySocialSecurity account or log in if you already have one. 
• Follow the prompts to apply for Medicare, including providing necessary information like your Social Security number and birth details. 
• If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you may have been automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. 
• If you're not yet receiving benefits, you can apply for Medicare Part A&B online.  Can sign up even if you are still working, BUT there are many things to consider IF you have a significant income and/or health coverage from your or your spouse's employer.

2. Other Sign-Up Options:

• Phone:  You can call the Social Security Administration to apply over the phone or schedule an appointment. 
• In-Person:  You can visit your local Social Security office to apply, but it's generally faster and easier to do it online. 

3. Key Things to Remember:

• Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after. 
• You may have to pay a penalty if you enroll late.  Keep in mind if you are still working and/or covered by “Credible” Employer Health Coverage, delaying your Part B enrollment can be delayed in many/most cases without penalty.
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• Important Note:  Signing up for Medicare Parts A&B and your Social Security Monthly Retirement Benefits can and should be done at different times in many cases.  Contact us for more details on Maximizing Your Social Security and/or filing tips.  Or see MaxMySocSec.com
• If you or you're spouse are still working at 65, you can still enroll in Medicare Part A, Delay your Part B while you still have Credible Health Insurance (ask your HR Dept) and you should have a special enrollment period (SEP) when you retire with No Late Enrollment Penalties.  See below for more details:

To Start Reviewing Your Best Medicare Plan Options, can Call / Text at 346-567-8300, E-mail or Schedule an Appointment at the top right of this web site.

Retiring / Applying After You Turn 65?

You have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in Medicare Part B after you retire or lose your employer-sponsored health coverage, whichever comes first.  This SEP starts when you leave your job or your employer coverage ends, even if you choose COBRA or other non-Medicare coverage. 

Key points to remember:

• SEP Length:  The Delayed Part B SEP is 8 months. 
• Employer Coverage:  If you have employer-sponsored "Credible" Health Insurance when you turn 65, you can delay enrolling in Part B without penalty as long as you have that coverage. 
• Late Enrollment Penalty:  If you don't enroll in Part B within the 8-month SEP after leaving your job or losing coverage, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B, according to the SSA. 
• General Enrollment Period:  If you miss the 8-month SEP, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period  (OEP - January 1 to March 31 each year), but your coverage may not start until July and you may incur a penalty. 
• Early Enrollment / Prior to Retiring:  You can enroll in Medicare Part B up to 3 months before you retire or lose your employer coverage if you want to ensure continuous coverage. 

To Start Reviewing your Best Medicare Plan Options, can Call / Text at 346-567-8300, E-mail or Schedule an Appointment at the top right of this web site.

Have questions? Give us a call and let us help you with your Medicare Health insurance needs.