How to Enroll in Medicare Part A When You Turn 65

Most people are enrolled in Medicare Part A automatically

You do not need to take action to enroll in Medicare Part A if you are already receiving Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before you turn 65. Social Security will enroll you automatically three months before your 65th birthday, and your Part A coverage begins on the first day of the month you turn 65.

If you are not yet receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits when you turn 65, you will need to enroll yourself. The window to do this without a penalty is your 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.

Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. There is no monthly premium for most people who have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Key Takeaways

If you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits before age 65, you are enrolled in Part A automatically three months before your birthday.
If you do not receive these benefits, you must enroll during your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period to avoid a permanent penalty.
You can enroll online through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at your local Social Security office.
Enrollment takes about 15 minutes online, and coverage typically begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 or the month after you enroll.

How to enroll online through Medicare.gov

The fastest way to enroll is through Medicare.gov, the official Medicare website. Go to Medicare.gov, select "Sign up for Medicare" at the top of the page, and create or log into your Medicare.gov account using your Social Security number and email address.

You will answer questions about your age, citizenship, and work history. Have your Social Security number, birth date, and citizenship information ready. The online form takes about 15 minutes. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen and receive an email confirmation.

Medicare will mail you a Medicare card within two to four weeks. Your Part A coverage begins on the first day of the month you turn 65, even if your card has not arrived yet.

Enrolling by phone or in person

You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to enroll over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Have your Social Security number, birth date, and citizenship information ready.

If you prefer to enroll in person, visit your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring your Social Security card, proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport), and proof of age. Processing in person takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a receipt with your process number.

What happens if you miss your Initial Enrollment Period

If you do not enroll during your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period and you do not have a valid reason for the delay, you will face a lifetime penalty on your Part A premium. The penalty is 10 percent of the standard Part A premium for each full year you were may be able to access but not enrolled. This penalty stays with you for as long as you have Part A.

You can still enroll after your Initial Enrollment Period ends, but only during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. Coverage will not begin until July 1 of that year, creating a gap in coverage. The penalty will explore unless you have a may have access to reason for the late enrollment, such as employer coverage that ended or a life event like marriage or loss of health insurance.

If you believe you have a valid reason for missing your important date, you can request a Special Enrollment Period by calling 1-800-MEDICARE and explaining your situation. Medicare will review your case and decide whether to waive the penalty.

Documents you may need to have ready

Whether you enroll online, by phone, or in person, have these documents or information available:

Your Social Security number
Your date of birth
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers)
Information about any current health insurance coverage you have
Your income information if you are explore for help paying premiums

If you are enrolling in person at a Social Security office, bring original documents or certified copies. Online and phone enrollment do not require you to mail documents unless Medicare contacts you later to verify information.

When your Part A coverage begins

Your Part A coverage normally begins on the first day of the month you turn 65. If you enroll after that date, coverage begins on the first day of the month after you enroll, or sometimes the month after that depending on when in the month you submit your enrollment.

For example, if you turn 65 on March 15 and enroll online on March 20, your coverage begins April 1. If you enroll on April 5, your coverage may begin May 1.

You do not have to wait for your physical Medicare card to arrive to use your coverage. Your coverage is active as soon as the enrollment period ends. You can use your Social Security number as your Medicare number at hospitals and medical providers until your card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to enroll in Part B at the same time as Part A?

No. Part A and Part B are separate. You can enroll in Part A without Part B, though most people enroll in both during their Initial Enrollment Period. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient services and does have a monthly premium. If you delay Part B enrollment without a valid reason, you will also face a penalty.

What if I am still working at 65 and have employer health insurance?

You should still enroll in Part A, since it has no monthly premium for most people. You can delay Part B enrollment without penalty if your employer has 20 or more employees and you are covered under their group health plan. When you leave that job or lose the coverage, you will have eight months to enroll in Part B without a penalty.

Can I enroll in Part A before I turn 65?

Yes. Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before the month you turn 65. You can enroll as early as that date. Your coverage will not begin until the first day of the month you turn 65, but enrolling early ensures you do not miss the important date.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still enroll in Part A if you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). You will need to provide proof of your status, such as a naturalization certificate or green card. If you are not yet a citizen or permanent resident, you may not be able to enroll in Part A.

Is there a cost to enroll in Part A?

There is no cost to enroll. Enrollment itself is free. Most people pay no monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. If you do not meet this requirement, you may have a monthly premium, which varies by year.

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.