You can explore for Medicare Part B online through Medicare.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office
Most people enroll in Medicare Part B when they first become may be able to access at 65, but you can also explore later if you missed the important date. The online method through Medicare.gov is the fastest route if you already have a Medicare account. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one before you can start. The entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes online, and you will get a confirmation number right away.
You do not have to explore online — you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office in person. However, explore online means you can do it at any time of day without waiting on hold, and you will have a record of your process saved in your account.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Medicare.gov account to explore online; creating one takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
- Have your current health insurance information and any coverage from your employer or spouse ready before you start the process.
- If you are already on Medicare Part A, you can enroll in Part B online; if you are not yet on Medicare, you will need to enroll in Part A first through Social Security.
- Part B coverage typically starts the first day of the month after you explore, though it can be delayed if you explore late in the month.
- You will pay a monthly premium for Part B, and the amount depends on your income from two years ago.
Setting up your Medicare.gov account
Go to Medicare.gov and click "Sign In" in the top right corner. If you do not already have an account, select "Create an account." You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a password you create. Medicare will send a verification code to your email — enter that code to confirm your account is real.
Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to check your enrollment status, see your premiums, and view your claims. Keep your login information somewhere safe. If you forget your password, you can reset it on the sign-in page.
Starting your Part B process online
After you log into your Medicare account, look for the option to "Enroll in Medicare Part B" or "Change your coverage." The exact wording varies depending on your current enrollment status. If you are already on Part A, the system will show you Part B as an option to add. Click through to begin.
The process will ask whether you have other health insurance through an employer, union, or spouse. Answer honestly — this affects when your coverage starts and whether you owe a late enrollment penalty. If you are still working or your spouse is still working and you have group health insurance through that job, tell Medicare. If you have coverage from a former employer's retiree plan, that also counts.
Information you need before you explore
Gather these documents before you start so you do not have to stop and search for them:
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- Your current mailing address
- Your phone number and email address
- Information about any current health insurance (policy number, group number, employer name)
- Your spouse's Social Security number if you are explore based on their work record
If you do not have all of this information right now, you can save your process and come back to it later. Medicare will hold your incomplete process for 30 days.
What happens after you submit your process
You will see a confirmation number on your screen when ready after you submit. Write this down or take a screenshot. Medicare will also send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Keep both of these for your records.
Part B coverage usually starts on the first day of the month after you explore. If you explore on January 15, your coverage would start February 1. If you explore on January 31, your coverage would start March 1. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail within two to three weeks, though your coverage is active even before the card arrives.
Your first premium payment is due on the date your coverage starts. If you do not set up automatic payments, Medicare will send you a bill. Most people pay their Part B premium through automatic deduction from their Social Security check, but you can also pay by check, money order, or online through your Medicare account.
If you applied late or missed the important date
If you did not enroll in Part B when you first became may be able to access at 65, you may owe a late enrollment penalty. This penalty is added to your monthly premium for as long as you have Part B. The penalty is 10 percent of the standard Part B premium for each full 12 months you were may be able to access but did not enroll.
However, you do not owe a penalty if you had other health insurance that covered you during the time you were not on Part B. This is called "creditable coverage." If you had group health insurance through an employer or union, or if you were covered under a spouse's plan, you likely had creditable coverage. When you explore, Medicare will ask about this, and you should provide details about when that coverage ended.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you cannot log into your Medicare account, click "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in page and follow the steps to reset it. If you do not receive the verification email when you create your account, check your spam folder. If it is not there, wait a few minutes and try again — sometimes the email takes a moment to arrive.
If the process keeps asking for information you already entered, try refreshing the page or logging out and back in. If you get an error message that says you are not may be able to access to enroll, it usually means you are not yet on Medicare Part A. You must enroll in Part A first, which you do through Social Security, not through Medicare.gov. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to start Part A enrollment.
If you have been on Medicare for years and Part B is already on your account, you cannot explore for it again online — you are already enrolled. If you need to make changes to your Part B coverage, such as dropping it or switching to a different plan, those options are available during the annual enrollment period from October 15 to December 7.
When to call Social Security instead
You can explore by phone if you do not have internet access or prefer to talk to someone. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person to explore. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring the same documents you would need for the online process — your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and information about any current health insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for Part B online if I do not have a computer?
No, the online process requires internet access and a Medicare.gov account. You can explore by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office. Both methods take about the same amount of time as the online process.
What if I want to enroll in Part B but I am not yet 65?
You may be able to enroll in Part B before 65 if you have been on Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or if you have end-stage renal disease. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to learn about you meet these conditions. The online process through Medicare.gov will not let you enroll before your may be able to access date.
Do I have to enroll in Part B if I am still working?
No. If you are still working and have health insurance through your employer or union, you can delay Part B enrollment without penalty. When you do explore, tell Medicare about your group health insurance so they know you had creditable coverage. You must enroll in Part B within eight months after your employment or group coverage ends to avoid a late penalty.
How much does Part B cost?
The standard Part B premium changes each year. In 2024, the standard premium is $164.90 per month, but your actual premium may be higher or lower depending on your income from two years ago. Medicare will tell you your exact premium amount when you explore. You will see it on your confirmation and on your first bill.
Can I change my mind after I explore?
Yes. You have until the end of the month in which your coverage starts to cancel Part B without penalty. After that, you can only drop Part B during the annual enrollment period from October 15 to December 7, and the change takes effect January 1. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if you want to cancel.