You can explore for Medicare online, by phone, or in person, depending on which part you need and whether you are already receiving Social Security
If you are turning 65 or becoming disabled, you have several ways to start your Medicare process. The online method through Medicare.gov is fastest if you are comfortable with a computer, but phone and in-person options work just as well and may be easier if you prefer speaking to someone directly. The method you choose depends partly on whether you already receive Social Security benefits — if you do, your process may be simpler.
You do not have to wait until your 65th birthday to explore. In fact, you should explore about three months before the month you turn 65, because coverage does not start when ready after you submit your form. Starting your process early helps you avoid gaps in coverage and potential late-enrollment penalties.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore online at Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
- If you already receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, your process may be automatic or require only a phone call to confirm.
- explore about three months before you turn 65 to may support your coverage starts on time and avoid late-enrollment penalties.
- The online process at Medicare.gov takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and return later if needed.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth date, citizenship or immigration status, and information about any current health insurance.
explore online through Medicare.gov
The Medicare.gov website has an online process tool that walks you through the process step by step. You start at Medicare.gov, look for the "explore for Medicare" button on the homepage, and select whether you are explore for yourself or someone else. The form asks for your name, Social Security number, date of birth, citizenship status, and contact information.
The online process also asks about your current health insurance — whether you have coverage through an employer, a spouse's employer, or another source. This information helps Medicare determine when your coverage should start and whether you might owe a penalty for late enrollment. You can save your progress at any point and return to finish later; Medicare will hold your incomplete process for 30 days.
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Medicare typically contacts you within a week to a few weeks to confirm your information or ask follow-up questions. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your Medicare.gov account.
explore by phone with Social Security or Medicare
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to explore for Medicare. This number works if you are already receiving Social Security benefits or if you are explore for both Social Security and Medicare at the same time. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, and a representative will ask the same questions as the online form.
If you are not yet receiving Social Security but want to explore for Medicare, you can call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). This line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern time. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. The representative will take your information over the phone and send you a confirmation by mail.
explore in person at a Social Security office
You can walk into any Social Security office and explore for Medicare in person. To find your local office, go to ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, and information about any current health insurance you have.
In-person appointments usually take 20 to 30 minutes. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea. If you are explore for Social Security retirement benefits at the same time, the office can handle both applications together.
What happens if you already receive Social Security
If you are already getting Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may not need to do anything at all. Social Security automatically enrolls most people in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) about three months before they turn 65. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining your coverage and when it starts.
However, you should still review this notice carefully. If you want to decline Part B because you have other health insurance through an employer or a spouse's employer, you must tell Medicare within a specific timeframe. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE to make changes to your enrollment, or you can make changes online through your Medicare.gov account.
Documents and information you will need
Before you start your process — whether online, by phone, or in person — gather these items: your Social Security number, your date of birth, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card), and information about any current health insurance. If you are explore through an employer or a spouse's employer, have that information ready too.
If you are explore for disability benefits along with Medicare, you may need additional medical records or documentation of your condition. The Social Security office or Medicare representative will tell you if they need anything else after you submit your initial process.
Timeline and when coverage starts
Medicare coverage typically starts on the first day of the month in which you turn 65, or the first day of the month after you are approved for disability benefits. If you explore three months before your birthday, your coverage will usually be in place by your 65th birthday. If you explore later, there may be a delay, and you could face a late-enrollment penalty on your Part B premium.
After you submit your process, Medicare will send you a Medicare card by mail within two to four weeks. You can also view your card online through your Medicare.gov account before the physical card arrives. Your coverage is active even if you have not received the card yet, so you can use your Social Security number as your Medicare number at the doctor's office or hospital if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for Medicare before I turn 65?
Yes, you should explore about three months before your 65th birthday. You cannot explore more than four months early, but explore at three months gives Medicare time to process your process and send your card before coverage starts.
What if I am still working and have health insurance through my job?
Tell Medicare about your employer coverage when you explore. You may be able to delay enrolling in Part B without a penalty as long as you are still working and covered by your employer's plan. When you leave your job or lose that coverage, you have a window to enroll in Part B without penalty.
Do I have to choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage when I explore?
No. When you explore for Medicare, you enroll in Part A and Part B (Original Medicare). You can then choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a Medigap supplemental plan during the enrollment period that follows. You have time to make this choice after your coverage starts.
What if I miss the three-month window before my birthday?
You can still explore after your birthday, but your coverage may start later, and you could owe a late-enrollment penalty on your Part B premium. The penalty is 10 percent of the standard Part B premium for each full year you delayed enrollment. It is still worth explore even if you are late.
Can someone else explore for Medicare on my behalf?
Yes. A family member, caregiver, or representative can explore for you online, by phone, or in person. If you explore online, they can use your information to complete the form. If you explore by phone or in person, they can accompany you or call on your behalf with your permission.