When and how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B

You become may be able to access for Medicare at 65. Most people sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period, which runs for seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after. If you sign up during this window, your coverage usually starts on the first day of the month you turn 65.

You can sign up through Social Security, Medicare.gov, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person. The method you choose does not change what you pay or when coverage begins — it only changes how you submit your information. Most people find online signup fastest because you get confirmation when ready.

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can still sign up later, but you may pay a permanent penalty on your Part B premium. The penalty is 10 percent of the standard Part B premium for each full year you were may be able to access but did not sign up. That penalty stays with you for life, so signing up as soon as you realize you missed the window matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Initial Enrollment Period is seven months long: three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after — and most people should sign up during this time to avoid penalties.
  • You can sign up online at Medicare.gov, by phone through Social Security, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • Part A (hospital insurance) is usually free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years; Part B (medical insurance) costs a monthly premium that varies by income.
  • If you delay signing up past your Initial Enrollment Period, you will pay a permanent 10 percent penalty on your Part B premium for each year you waited.
  • You need to provide your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and information about your income to complete signup.

Signing up online through Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and click "Sign Up for Medicare" at the top of the page. You will be asked to create a login or sign in with an existing account. You do not need to create a Medicare account first — the site will walk you through creating one as part of signup.

The form asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, citizenship status, and current mailing address. It also asks whether you are still working and whether you have health insurance through your job or a spouse's job. Answer these questions honestly, because they affect when your coverage starts and what you pay.

At the end, you will see a summary of what you are signing up for — usually Part A and Part B together. Review it carefully. You can then submit your process and receive a confirmation number on screen. Print or save this number; you will need it if you contact Medicare later with questions.

Signing up by phone through Social Security

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have your Social Security number, birth certificate or passport, and proof of citizenship ready. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and submit your signup for you.

Phone signup takes about 15 minutes. At the end of the call, the representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. You will receive a notice in the mail within two weeks confirming what you signed up for and when your coverage begins.

Social Security lines are busiest early in the month and early in the week. If you call on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon, you will usually wait less time than if you call on a Monday morning.

Signing up in person at your local Social Security office

Find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. You do not need an appointment, but you can request one online or by phone to avoid waiting. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and proof of citizenship (a driver's license, state ID, or U.S. passport).

The office staff will fill out your signup form with you and submit it on the spot. You will receive a confirmation number before you leave. Your coverage notice will arrive by mail within two weeks.

In-person signup is useful if you have questions about your specific situation or if you are not comfortable with online forms. Staff can also help you understand the difference between Part A and Part B and whether you should delay Part B signup if you are still working.

What documents you need to have ready

Before you start the signup process, gather these documents:

  • Your Social Security number (or your spouse's, if you are signing up based on their work record)
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency — a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card
  • A government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport
  • Information about your current income (if you are still working or have other income sources)
  • Information about any health insurance you currently have through work or a spouse's work

You do not need to bring tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements unless Social Security asks for them after you submit your signup. If you are signing up online, you can have these documents nearby but you will not upload them as part of the initial form.

Part A and Part B: what each covers and what you pay

Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care after a hospital stay, hospice care, and some home health services. Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years while working. If you did not work long enough to may have access to for free Part A, you can still sign up and pay a monthly premium — the amount depends on how many years you or your spouse worked.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, lab tests, imaging, and some preventive services. Everyone who signs up for Part B pays a monthly premium. The standard premium in 2024 is $174.70 per month, but the amount you pay depends on your income. If your income is higher, you pay an additional amount called an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA. Social Security will tell you your exact premium when you sign up.

You can sign up for Part A without Part B, but most people sign up for both at the same time. If you are still working and have health insurance through your job, you may want to delay Part B signup to avoid paying a premium while you are covered elsewhere — but you must sign up for Part A on time, or you will owe a penalty.

What happens after you sign up

After you submit your signup, Medicare will send you a notice in the mail confirming what you signed up for and when your coverage begins. This notice usually arrives within two weeks. Read it carefully and check that your name, date of birth, and coverage dates are correct.

About two weeks before your coverage starts, you will receive your Medicare card in the mail. It will show your Medicare number and which parts of Medicare you are enrolled in. Keep this card with you when you see a doctor or go to the hospital.

If you do not receive your card by the time your coverage is supposed to start, you can still see doctors and hospitals — just tell them your Medicare number from your confirmation notice. You can also check the status of your card at Medicare.gov by logging into your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign up for Part A without Part B?

Yes. You can sign up for Part A alone if you want to delay Part B because you are still working and have employer health insurance. However, you must sign up for Part A during your Initial Enrollment Period or you will owe a penalty. If you delay Part B, you will need to sign up later when you leave your job or lose your employer coverage.

What if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?

You can still sign up, but you will pay a permanent penalty on your Part B premium — 10 percent for each full year you were may be able to access but did not sign up. The penalty stays with you for life. You can sign up during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31 each year), and your coverage will start July 1 of that year.

Do I have to sign up if I am still working at 65?

If you have health insurance through your job or your spouse's job, you can delay Part B signup without penalty. However, you should still sign up for Part A during your Initial Enrollment Period. When you leave your job or lose your employer coverage, you will have eight months to sign up for Part B without a penalty.

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

Your Medicare card usually arrives within two weeks of your coverage start date. If you sign up online, you can see your Medicare number on your confirmation page right away. You can use that number at the doctor's office or hospital even if your physical card has not arrived yet.

What if I made a mistake on my signup form?

Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) as soon as you notice the error. You can also log into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov and update your information. If the error affects your coverage date or premium, Medicare will correct it and send you an updated notice.