When and how to sign up for Medicare

You sign up for Medicare through Social Security, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The timing matters: you can sign up starting three months before the month you turn 65, and you have until three months after that month ends. If you miss this window, you may pay a permanent penalty on your premiums.

Most people sign up automatically if they are already receiving Social Security benefits — the Social Security Administration enrolls them in Medicare Part A and Part B without extra steps. If you are not yet taking Social Security, you must sign up for Medicare separately, even if you do not need the benefits right away.

The process takes about 10 minutes online or 15 to 20 minutes on the phone. You will need your Social Security number, birth date, and citizenship or legal residency information. If you are signing up in person, bring your Social Security card and a photo ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You can sign up for Medicare starting three months before you turn 65, and you have until three months after your birthday month to avoid penalties.
  • If you already receive Social Security, Medicare enrollment happens automatically; if not, you must sign up separately through Social Security.
  • Sign up online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office — all three routes take 10 to 20 minutes.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth date, and proof of citizenship or legal residency to complete enrollment.
  • Missing the sign-up window can result in a permanent 10 percent increase to your Part B premium for each 12-month period you delayed.

Signing up online through Social Security

The fastest route is the Social Security website at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/. Click "explore for Medicare" and log in with your Social Security account. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email, phone number, and a password.

The online form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, citizenship status, and whether you want Part A, Part B, or both. You will also choose whether to enroll in a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan at the same time, though you can do this later. Once you submit, you receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

Social Security typically processes online applications within two weeks. You will receive your Medicare card by mail — usually within 30 days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging back into your Social Security account.

Signing up by phone or in person

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form and can answer questions about your coverage options. Have your Social Security number and birth date ready before you call.

If you prefer to sign up in person, visit your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator or by calling the number above. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). Processing times are similar to phone applications — typically two to four weeks.

Phone and in-person applications also result in a confirmation number and a Medicare card mailed to your address. Ask for a receipt or confirmation letter on the spot if you sign up in person, so you have proof of enrollment while you wait for your card.

What happens if you miss the sign-up important date

If you do not sign up during your initial enrollment window — the three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday — you enter a period called the General Enrollment Period. This runs from January 1 to March 31 each year, and you can sign up then without penalty, though your coverage does not start until July 1.

However, if you delay signing up for Part B without a valid reason, Social Security adds a 10 percent penalty to your Part B premium for each 12-month period you were late. This penalty is permanent — it stays on your premium for as long as you have Medicare. For example, if you were two years late, you pay a 20 percent increase forever.

Valid reasons to delay without penalty include having employer health insurance through your job or your spouse's job, or being a federal employee with federal employee health benefits. If either applies to you, you can sign up later without the penalty, but you must show proof when you enroll.

Choosing your coverage when you sign up

When you sign up for Medicare, you decide whether to take Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Most people take both. You also choose whether to add Part D (prescription drug coverage) right away or wait. If you wait and later want Part D, you may pay a penalty unless you have other creditable drug coverage.

At the same time, you can choose a Medigap plan (which covers costs Medicare does not) or a Medicare Advantage plan (which replaces Original Medicare with a managed care option). You do not have to decide this when ready — you have until the end of the year to pick a plan — but signing up for Part A and Part B itself cannot wait.

Social Security will ask which choice you prefer during enrollment, but you can change your mind during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or if you have a may have access to life event like moving to a new state.

After you sign up: what to expect

Your Medicare coverage starts on the first day of the month you turn 65, regardless of when you actually sign up. Your Medicare card arrives by mail within 30 days in most cases. Until it arrives, you can print a temporary notice of enrollment from your Social Security account or ask Social Security to mail you a letter confirming your enrollment date.

Once your card arrives, give a copy to your doctor, hospital, and pharmacy. They use it to bill Medicare for your care. If you chose a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, that plan will send you a separate card and welcome packet with details about your coverage, deductibles, and how to find in-network providers.

You do not need to do anything else to set up your coverage — it starts automatically on your 65th birthday. If you have questions after you sign up, you can call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) anytime, or visit Medicare.gov to review your coverage details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign up for Medicare before I turn 65?

Yes. You can sign up starting three months before the month you turn 65. For example, if your birthday is in June, you can sign up starting in March. Signing up early does not start your coverage early — it still begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 — but it ensures you are enrolled on time and avoid penalties.

What if I am still working and have employer health insurance?

You can delay signing up for Part B without penalty as long as you have employer coverage through your job or your spouse's job. When you leave that job or lose the coverage, you have eight months to sign up for Part B without penalty. Tell Social Security about your employer coverage when you sign up for Part A so they note this on your record.

Do I have to sign up for Part A and Part B at the same time?

You can sign up for Part A alone and delay Part B if you have other health coverage, but most people sign up for both. If you delay Part B without a valid reason, you will pay a permanent penalty. It is usually simpler to enroll in both when you are may be able to access.

What if I move to a different state after I sign up?

Your Medicare coverage follows you — it works in all 50 states. Tell Social Security about your move so they update your address and send your card and any future mail to the right place. You may want to review your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan to make sure it covers providers in your new state, since some plans are state-specific.

Can someone help me sign up if I need information?

Yes. A family member or trusted friend can help you sign up online or by phone. If you need help understanding your options, you can contact your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) — a free counseling service. Find your state's SHIP at shiptalk.org or call 1-877-839-2675.