How Do I Apply?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How do I apply?
-
If you start getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits before age 65, you do not have to do anything to sign up for Medicare. You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B effective the month you are 65. You will get your Medicare card in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you do not want Medicare Part B, follow the instructions that come with the card.
-
If you are disabled and getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits, you do not have to do anything to sign up for Medicare. You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare when you have been getting disability benefits for 24 months. (There is no Medicare waiting period if you have Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis.)
-
If you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and are eligible for Medicare on the basis of ESRD, you must apply for Medicare through your Social Security office.
-
If you are close to age 65 and you are not yet getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, or you are not eligible for these retirement benefits, you must apply for Medicare through your Social Security office. You should apply three months before the month you turn 65 to make sure your coverage starts on time. Even if you continue to work after you turn 65, you should at least sign up for Part A of Medicare. Part A may help pay some of the costs not covered by your employer plan.
-
If you did not enroll in Medicare when you were first eligible, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period which is between January 1 and March 31 each year. You may have to pay a surcharge on your monthly premiums. More information is available on www.medicare.gov or you can call the Social Security office for more information (see next paragraph).
To apply for Medicare, you should call your local Social Security office to set up an appointment. Use Social Security's online directory to find the address and telephone of the Social Security Office serving your area:
or call Social Security's toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
What documentation do I need?
When you call the Social Security Administration Office to set up an appointment to apply for Medicare, you will be told what documentation to bring with you.
If I do not speak English, how can I get information about Medicare?
Medicare has both an English language version and a Spanish language version of the Medicare web site.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers many of its publications online in languages other than English. For a list of languages and publications, see Social Security Information in Other Languages.
The SSA also provides free interpreter services for non-English speakers. Call their toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 between 7 AM and 7 PM, Monday through Friday to arrange to have an interpreter available to help you when you call or visit your local Social Security office.
In addition, Social Security offers sign language services for the deaf and hard of hearing. Call TTY: 1-800-325-0778 to set up an appointment.
How long can I get Medicare?
- If you are 65 or older, you can get Medicare for the rest of your life.
- If you are under 65 and you are eligible for Medicare because you are disabled, you can keep your coverage unless your condition improves to the point where you are no longer considered disabled.
- If you are eligible for Medicare because you have end-stage renal disease, you can keep your coverage unless you have a successful transplant and no longer need dialysis. See Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis and Transplant Services.
To keep your Medicare coverage, you must pay any monthly premiums, deductibles, or other Medicare costs that you owe.
For more information, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
|
