How to Apply for Medicare: Step-by-Step Process and Deadlines

When and how the process works for Medicare

You can explore for Medicare three ways: online through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people become may be able to access at 65, and you have a window of time around your 65th birthday to sign up without penalty. The exact window is three months before the month you turn 65, the month itself, and three months after — called your Initial Enrollment Period.

If you miss this window, you can still explore later, but you may pay a permanent penalty on your premiums. The penalty amount depends on how long you waited and which parts of Medicare you're signing up for. Because of this, explore during your Initial Enrollment Period is the most important important date to track.

You do not need to wait until you turn 65 to start the process. You can begin three months before your birthday, which gives you time to gather documents and ask questions before your coverage needs to start.

Key Takeaways

Your Initial Enrollment Period runs for seven months: three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after.
You can explore online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or at your local Social Security office.
You will need your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and information about any current health coverage.
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can still explore later, but you will likely pay a permanent increase to your premiums.
Some people under 65 with disabilities or end-stage renal disease can also explore for Medicare before their 65th birthday.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these items before you start your process, whether online or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, your date of birth, and your citizenship or immigration status. Have your current mailing address and phone number ready.

If you are currently covered by an employer health plan or union plan, bring the name of your employer or union and the policy number or group number. If you have coverage through a spouse's employer, you will need their information too. This matters because some people can delay signing up for certain parts of Medicare without penalty if they have group coverage.

You will also need proof of citizenship or legal residency. A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers all work. If you do not have these documents yet, you can still start your process — the Social Security office or Medicare can tell you what they will accept.

explore Online at Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and look for the "explore for Medicare" button on the homepage. You will create a login or sign in with an existing account. The online form asks for your personal information, Social Security number, citizenship status, and details about any current health coverage.

The online process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. You can save your progress and come back to it later if you need to find documents or information. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number — write this down or take a screenshot. Medicare will contact you by mail or phone within a few weeks to confirm your information and tell you when your coverage starts.

The online route is fastest if you have all your information ready and your documents are in order. You do not have to wait on hold or schedule an appointment.

explore by Phone or in Person

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to explore by phone. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Have your documents nearby when you call. A representative will walk you through the questions, verify your information, and tell you what happens next. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

To explore in person, visit your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest one at ssa.gov or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Bring your original documents or certified copies — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now ask you to book a time slot online first. Calling ahead is worth the few minutes it takes.

Both phone and in-person routes give you a chance to ask questions as you go. If you are unsure about something — like whether you need to sign up for Part B right away — the representative can explain your specific situation.

What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process, Medicare will review it and contact you. This usually takes two to four weeks. They will confirm your information by mail or phone and tell you your coverage start date. Your coverage typically starts on the first day of the month in which you turn 65, or the first day of the month after you explore if you explore after your 65th birthday.

You will receive your Medicare card in the mail. Keep it in a safe place — you will need it when you see a doctor or go to the hospital. Your card shows your Medicare number, which is now your Social Security number followed by a letter (this changed in 2020 for privacy reasons).

If you do not hear from Medicare within four weeks, call 1-800-MEDICARE to check on your process status. Have your confirmation number ready if you applied online.

Penalties for Missing Your Enrollment Period

If you do not sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period and you do not have a valid reason for the delay, you will pay a late enrollment penalty. This penalty is permanent — it stays on your premiums for as long as you have Medicare.

The penalty for Part B (medical insurance) is 10 percent of the standard premium for each full year you were may be able to access but not enrolled. The penalty for Part D (prescription drug coverage) is 1 percent of the national average premium for each month you were may be able to access but not enrolled. These amounts change each year, so the exact dollar amount varies.

Some people have a valid reason to delay without penalty — for example, if you were covered by an employer plan or a spouse's employer plan. This is called creditable coverage. If this applies to you, you have eight months after your coverage ends to sign up without penalty. Keep records of your employer coverage to prove this if you need to.

Special Cases: explore Before Age 65

If you are under 65 and have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, you become may be able to access for Medicare. You do not have to do anything — Medicare will contact you automatically and enroll you. Your coverage starts after the 24-month waiting period ends.

If you have end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure) or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), you can explore for Medicare at any age. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov to start the process. You will need medical documentation of your condition, so have your doctor's records or a recent diagnosis letter ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore before I turn 65?

Yes. You can start your process three months before your 65th birthday. This gives you time to ask questions and make sure everything is correct before your coverage needs to start. Many people explore at this point to avoid the rush right at their birthday month.

What if I'm still working and have health insurance through my job?

You can delay signing up for Part B without penalty as long as your employer coverage continues and your employer has 20 or more employees. When you leave your job or lose that coverage, you have eight months to sign up for Part B without penalty. Keep records of your employer coverage dates to prove this if needed.

How long does it take to get my Medicare card after I explore?

Your coverage typically starts on the first of the month you turn 65 or the first of the month after you explore. Your physical Medicare card arrives in the mail within two to four weeks after your coverage starts. You can use your coverage before the card arrives — your doctor's office can look up your information by your Social Security number.

What if I applied but never received my Medicare card?

Call 1-800-MEDICARE and give them your Social Security number and date of birth. They can confirm your coverage is active and reorder your card if needed. A replacement card usually arrives within two weeks. If you need proof of coverage before the card arrives, Medicare can send you a letter or email confirmation.

Do I have to sign up for all parts of Medicare at the same time?

No. You can sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) during your Initial Enrollment Period. Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Part C (Medicare Advantage) have their own enrollment periods. You can join Part D or Part C later, but waiting past your Initial Enrollment Period for Part B may result in a penalty.

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.