How to Apply for Medicare: A Practical Guide

Applying for Medicare can be a bit daunting. You need to sign up in a specific time frame to avoid penalties, and comparing the different parts and plans can take days, weeks, or even months. The best time to sign up depends on whether you’re still working, already receiving Social Security benefits, or losing employer coverage soon. And missing the right enrollment window can mean delayed coverage or penalties.

Luckily, there’s a clear path forward when you have the right information and a licensed Medicare advisor for support. In this guide, discover how to apply for Medicare and secure coverage confidently. If you need any assistance along the way, call us for advice. Our support is 100% free and unbiased.

Key takeaways

Check before applying: Not everyone needs to apply for Medicare. People who are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits before age 65 may be enrolled automatically.
Watch your timing: Most people first qualify for Medicare at 65 during a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period.
Plan beyond the application: After enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B, review and secure additional coverage.

How do you know if you need to apply for Medicare?

Whether you should apply for Medicare when you turn 65 depends on your situation. There are three common scenarios:

If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits: You will be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you turn 65. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail about three months before your birthday month. If you want, you can check your Medicare status online or over the phone.

If you’re turning 65 and not yet claiming Social Security: You will need to apply for Medicare. You will not be automatically enrolled, and missing your Initial Enrollment Period can lead to late enrollment penalties that increase your monthly premiums. Note: You can enroll in Medicare without starting Social Security retirement benefits.

If you’re still working past 65 with employer coverage: You can delay Medicare Part B without penalty if you have qualifying employer or union coverage. This depends primarily on employer size. If your employer has 20 or more employees, you can delay Part B enrollment without penalty. Confirm you have qualifying coverage before your 65th birthday to prevent penalties.

If you’re unsure which situation applies to you, a Chapter Medicare Advisor can help you understand when you should enroll.

When should you apply for Medicare?

Most people first become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 and can enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, a seven-month window that starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months afterward.

If you apply for Medicare during the three months before your birthday month, your coverage starts on the first day of your birth month. If you apply during your birthday month or in one of the following three months, coverage starts the following month. If your birthday is on the first day of a month, your Initial Enrollment Period begins one month earlier. For example, if your birthday is June 1, your Initial Enrollment Period runs from February through August.

Most people should enroll in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period to avoid penalties. If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can delay Medicare enrollment without penalty. The most common Special Enrollment Period is the Part B Special Enrollment Period, which allows you to delay Part B enrollment if you’re still working. People covered by a group health insurance plan through employment may qualify for this, and the window lasts for up to eight months after the coverage or job ends.

Signing up for Medicare before your job-based insurance ends prevents coverage gaps. If you miss the Initial Enrollment period and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you must wait for the General Enrollment Period, which lasts from January 1 through March 31. You’re also subject to late-enrollment penalties.

How do you apply for Medicare?

Most people apply for Medicare Part A and Part B through the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, contact the Railroad Retirement Board instead.

Here’s how to apply via SSA:

Online: You can apply for Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare. This is the fastest option and is available 24 hours a day. Most people complete the application in about 10 to 30 minutes and can apply for Part A and Part B at the same time.
By phone: Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM local time. A representative will walk you through the application.
In person: Visit your local SSA office. Use ssa.gov to find the office nearest to you.

People applying for Medicare for the first time can request Parts A and B together. If you already have Medicare Part A and want to add Part B, use Social Security’s Part B only process.

What do you need to apply for Medicare?

The information you need varies based on whether you’re enrolling for the first time, adding Part B, or applying after employer coverage. Here are a few details to have on hand before starting your application:

Social Security number: This number is the primary way the SSA confirms your identity.
Proof of age: An accepted record of age, like an original birth certificate or a copy certified by the issuing agency.
Proof of citizenship or residency: A US birth certificate, US passport, or documentation of lawful permanent residency.
Employment details: Your employment history, including the name and address of your current or most recent employer.
Tax information: In some cases, the SSA may ask for your most recent W-2 or self-employment tax return to verify earnings.
Proof of employer coverage: If you delayed Part B enrollment because of employer or union coverage, your employer will need to complete form CMS-L564 confirming your coverage dates. This is required to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period without a late penalty.

What happens after you apply for Medicare?

After you submit your Medicare enrollment application, the SSA reviews it, confirms your eligibility, and sends you enrollment or coverage information. The process typically takes two to four weeks.

Here are a few things to do after you submit your application:

Check your application status: If you applied online, you can check your application status at ssa.gov. If you applied by phone or in person, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to follow up.
Watch for your Medicare card: Your red, white, and blue Medicare card arrives by mail and confirms your Medicare number and coverage start dates. Keep your Medicare card in a safe place—you’ll need it when you see providers or enroll for additional coverage.
Choose supplemental coverage: Getting Part A and Part B is only the beginning for many applicants. Original Medicare covers about 80% of costs for covered services and has no out-of-pocket cap, so people usually choose to find additional coverage. Compare Medicare coverage options, including Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Part D.

Get help applying for Medicare

Applying for Medicare can feel like an endless maze, and a mistake can leave you overpaying or stuck with a plan that doesn’t fit your needs. Luckily, there are people who can help guide you through the process.

Chapter offers free Medicare advice from licensed, independent Medicare Advisors. We’ll help you understand when to apply for Medicare, and what your coverage options are once you’re enrolled.

We’re here to help. Chat with us today at 855-900-2427 or book an appointment ahead of time.