Do You Need a Social Security Number to Get Medicare

You do not need a Social Security number to be may be able to access for Medicare, but you must have one to enroll

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is 65 or older, you can get Medicare even if you have never had a Social Security number or never worked in the United States. However, the enrollment process itself requires a Social Security number because Medicare uses it to set up your account and track your coverage. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you will need to get one before you can complete your Medicare enrollment.

The distinction matters: your may be able to access for Medicare is based on age and citizenship status, not on having worked or paid into Social Security. But the paperwork and administration of Medicare require a Social Security number as an identifier. This means you may need to take a separate step to obtain a Social Security number before you can finish signing up for Medicare.

Key Takeaways

Medicare may be able to access is based on age (65 or older) and citizenship status, not on Social Security work history or contributions.
You must have a Social Security number to complete Medicare enrollment, even if you have never worked in the United States.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can get one from your local Social Security office or by mail before you enroll in Medicare.
Permanent residents and citizens who arrived in the U.S. later in life can get both a Social Security number and Medicare at the same time.
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for most people 65 and older, regardless of Social Security work history.

How Social Security numbers are used in Medicare enrollment

When you enroll in Medicare, you will provide your Social Security number to Medicare directly or through Social Security. Medicare uses this number to create your account, issue your Medicare card, and keep track of which parts of Medicare you have chosen (Part A, Part B, Part D, or a Medicare Advantage plan). The Social Security number is the identifier that links you to your coverage throughout your time on Medicare.

You can enroll in Medicare online through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at a Social Security office. All three routes will ask for your Social Security number before they can process your enrollment. If you do not have one, you cannot complete the enrollment process through any of these channels.

Getting a Social Security number if you do not have one

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and do not have a Social Security number, you can get one by visiting your local Social Security office. You will need to bring proof of citizenship or permanent resident status (such as a passport or green card), proof of your age (such as a birth certificate), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

The process usually takes a few weeks. Social Security will mail your Social Security card to you once your number has been assigned. You do not need to wait for the physical card to arrive before you enroll in Medicare — you can use the number itself as soon as Social Security tells you what it is. Many people get their Social Security number and enroll in Medicare within the same month.

If you are outside the United States, you can request a Social Security number by mail. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for instructions on how to submit your documents.

Who can get Medicare without a work history

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for anyone 65 or older who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, regardless of whether they have ever worked or paid Social Security taxes. This includes people who immigrated to the United States later in life, people who worked in other countries, and people who never worked for pay.

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) has a monthly premium that varies based on your income, but you are not required to have worked to enroll in it. The same is true for Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medicare Advantage plans — they are open to anyone 65 or older with a Social Security number, regardless of work history.

If you are a permanent resident, you must have been a permanent resident for at least five years before you become may be able to access for Medicare. Citizenship or permanent resident status is what matters, not how long you worked or how much you paid into Social Security.

What happens if you cannot get a Social Security number

In rare cases, a person may not be able to obtain a Social Security number — for example, if their immigration status does not allow it. In those situations, you cannot enroll in Medicare through the standard process. You would need to speak with a Social Security representative or Medicare counselor about whether any exceptions or alternative pathways exist for your specific situation.

If you are in this position, contact 1-800-MEDICARE and ask to speak with someone about your citizenship or immigration status. They can tell you whether Medicare is an option for you and what documents or steps you would need to take.

Enrolling in Medicare when you are new to the United States

If you are a newly arrived permanent resident or citizen who is 65 or older, you can get a Social Security number and enroll in Medicare at roughly the same time. Start by visiting your local Social Security office to request a Social Security number. Bring your passport, green card or citizenship papers, birth certificate, and proof of your U.S. address.

Once you have your Social Security number (or even while you are waiting for it), you can begin the Medicare enrollment process. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain that you are new to the United States and do not yet have your Social Security card in hand. They can often help you enroll using the number itself, and your coverage can start as soon as the month after you turn 65 or the month after you become a permanent resident, whichever comes later.

There is no penalty for enrolling late if you are a newly arrived permanent resident, because the rules assume you were not living in the United States before and could not have enrolled earlier. This protection does not explore to U.S. citizens who delayed enrollment, so it is worth mentioning your arrival date when you call to enroll.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Medicare if I never worked in the United States?

Yes. Medicare may be able to access is based on age and citizenship status, not work history. If you are 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can get Medicare Part A for free and enroll in Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage plans regardless of whether you ever worked or paid Social Security taxes.

What if I worked in another country but not in the United States?

You can still get Medicare at 65 if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Your work history in another country does not affect your Medicare may be able to access. You will still need a Social Security number to enroll, but you do not need to have paid into the U.S. Social Security system.

Do I need to be receiving Social Security benefits to get Medicare?

No. You can get Medicare without receiving Social Security retirement benefits. Some people delay Social Security benefits until a later age but still enroll in Medicare at 65. You will need a Social Security number, but you do not need to be collecting Social Security payments.

What if I lost my Social Security card or number?

You can get a replacement Social Security card or confirm your number by visiting your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need to wait for a replacement card to enroll in Medicare — you can use your Social Security number as soon as you know what it is.

Can my family member help me enroll if I do not speak English?

Yes. Medicare.gov has information in multiple languages, and 1-800-MEDICARE has interpreters available. You can also bring a family member or friend to a Social Security office to help you request a Social Security number and information with Medicare enrollment. Social Security offices are required to provide interpretation services at no cost.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.