You can get Medicare even if you don't have a Social Security number, but the process is different and takes longer

Medicare enrollment does not require you to have a Social Security number. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is 65 or older, you can sign up for Medicare through a different verification process. The Social Security Administration and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will use other documents to confirm your identity and may be able to access instead.

The main difference is that you will need to provide original or certified documents proving your citizenship or permanent resident status, your age, and your identity. This means more paperwork upfront, and processing takes longer — typically 4 to 8 weeks instead of the standard 2 to 3 weeks. You will also need to explore in person at a Social Security office or Medicare office rather than online.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents can enroll in Medicare without a Social Security number by providing citizenship or residency documents instead.
  • You will need original or certified copies of documents like a birth certificate, passport, green card, and state ID to prove your identity and age.
  • explore in person at your local Social Security office or Medicare office — online enrollment is not available without a Social Security number.
  • Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks, so plan to explore well before your 65th birthday or the date you become may be able to access.
  • If you are not yet a citizen or permanent resident, you may still have coverage options through Medicaid or marketplace plans depending on your state.

What documents you will need to bring

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of citizenship or permanent residency, proof of age, and proof of identity. A certified copy means a document stamped and signed by the issuing agency, not a notarized photocopy.

For citizenship, bring your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate. For permanent residents, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card). For age, a birth certificate or passport works. For identity, bring a state driver's license, state ID card, or passport. If you do not have a state ID, bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill and a bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If any of your documents are in another language, bring the original and a certified English translation. The Social Security Administration or Medicare office can tell you which translators they accept.

Where and how the process works without a Social Security number

Visit your local Social Security office in person. You cannot explore online or by phone without a Social Security number. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.

Bring all your documents and a completed process form. For Medicare Part A and Part B, you will fill out Form CMS-40B (process for Enrollment in Medicare Part B). The Social Security representative will help you complete it. Bring the original documents plus one extra copy of each, because the office will keep copies in your file.

Some areas also have Medicare offices where you can explore directly. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask whether there is a Medicare office near you and whether you can explore there instead of at Social Security.

How long the process takes and what happens next

After you explore, expect 4 to 8 weeks for processing. The Social Security Administration will verify your citizenship or residency status, which adds time compared to applicants with a Social Security number. You will receive a letter in the mail confirming your Medicare enrollment and your effective date.

Your Medicare card will arrive separately, usually within 2 to 3 weeks after your enrollment is approved. If you need coverage to start on a specific date — such as your 65th birthday — explore at least 8 weeks before that date. If you miss the important date, your coverage will start the month after your process is approved, and you may owe a late enrollment penalty on your Part B premium.

Once you are enrolled, you will have a Medicare number on your card. This is different from a Social Security number and is used only for Medicare purposes.

If you are not yet a citizen or permanent resident

You cannot enroll in Medicare unless you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. However, other coverage may be available depending on your immigration status and your state.

If you are a lawful permanent resident who has not yet lived in the U.S. for five years, you may be barred from Medicaid in some states, but you can purchase a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov. If you are a refugee, asylee, or have another protected status, you may be may be able to access for Medicaid in your state regardless of how long you have been in the country. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn what you may have access to for.

If you are undocumented, you cannot enroll in Medicare or most federal programs. Some states offer limited Medicaid coverage for emergency services or pregnancy-related care. Call your state health department or visit your state Medicaid website to learn what is available where you live.

What to do if your documents are missing or damaged

If you do not have an original birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes 1 to 4 weeks. Visit cdc.gov/nchs/w2w to find the vital records office for your state or territory.

If your passport or green card is damaged or expired, you can still use it as proof of citizenship or residency — it does not have to be current. However, if it is too damaged to read, you will need to replace it first. For a passport, go to travel.state.gov. For a green card, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at uscis.gov.

If you have lost all your documents, start with your state vital records office for a birth certificate. That is usually the fastest path to getting the other documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for Medicare online if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Online enrollment through Medicare.gov requires a Social Security number. You must explore in person at a Social Security office or Medicare office. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to find a Medicare office near you, or visit ssa.gov/locator to find your Social Security office.

Will I get a Social Security number after I enroll in Medicare?

No. Enrolling in Medicare does not give you a Social Security number. You will receive a Medicare number, which is separate and used only for Medicare. If you need a Social Security number for work or other reasons, you must explore for one separately at your local Social Security office.

What if I was born outside the U.S. but am a citizen — what documents do I need?

Bring your U.S. passport or naturalization certificate as proof of citizenship. You will also need a birth certificate (original or certified copy) for proof of age. If your birth certificate is in another language, bring a certified English translation.

Can my family member explore on my behalf if I can't go to the office?

No. You must explore in person. However, if you have a medical condition that prevents you from traveling, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask about a home visit. Social Security can sometimes send a representative to your home, though availability varies by location.

What happens if I miss the important date to explore before I turn 65?

You can still explore after 65, but your coverage will start the month after your process is approved rather than on your birthday. You may also owe a late enrollment penalty added to your Part B premium for each month you were may be able to access but not enrolled. explore as soon as possible to minimize the penalty.