Signing up for Medicare involves several steps. Let me guide you through the process:
Determine Your Medicare Eligibility:
Most people become eligible to apply for Medicare when they turn 65.
Some individuals under the age of 65 may also qualify based on specific criteria:
-
If you receive Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for at least four months before turning 65.
-
If you are under 65 and received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for at least 24 months.
If you fall into one of these categories, no further action is required because you will automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) starting the first day of the month you turn 65.
Enrolling in Medicare (Parts A and B) when you turn 65:
​
Do this 3 months before your 65th birthday!
This part sometimes confuses people. You sign up for Medicare by visiting the Social Security Administration website SSA.gov and follow the instructions, If you don't already have an account, you'll need to create one and go through the steps to prove your identity.
Once you have your account created, you will have the options to sign up for:
-
Social Security
-
Medicare Part A
-
Medicare Part B
​
If you are not ready to start collecting Social Security, just skip that step. Each one of these requires a separate enrollment.
​
-
STEP 1: Enroll in Part A. ($0,00 monthly premium)
-
STEP 2: Enroll in Part B* ($174,70 monthly premium)
*Important!:
If you are currently employed and will remain working, and have insurance through your employer, it will depend on your current employment insurance whether you are ready to sign up for Part B. You should contact your employer HR department and inquire about how your employer insurance works with Medicare and if it is creditable. If so, you can then delay signing up for Part B until you retire and not incur a late enrollment penalty.
If you are not working or do not have employer insurance, now is the time to sign up for Part B so you don't incur a late enrollment pen
​
Last Step:
After enrolling in Original Medicare, you'll need to set up your MyMedicare.gov account. This online portal allows you to manage your Medicare benefits, track claims, and access important information.