When and how to sign up for Medicare

You can sign up for Medicare starting three months before the month you turn 65. The Social Security Administration handles enrollment, and you have several ways to do it: online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office.

Most people who receive Social Security benefits are enrolled automatically in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) the month they turn 65. If you are not receiving Social Security yet, you must sign up yourself during your enrollment window. Missing this window can result in late enrollment penalties that stay on your account permanently.

Your enrollment window is seven months long: three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after. For example, if you turn 65 in June, you can sign up from March through September. It is best to sign up early in this window rather than waiting until the last month.

Key Takeaways

  • You can sign up for Medicare online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, by mail, or at your local Social Security office.
  • Your enrollment window opens three months before you turn 65 and closes three months after, giving you seven months total to sign up.
  • If you delay signing up past your enrollment window, you will pay a permanent penalty added to your Part B and Part D premiums each month.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency to complete enrollment.
  • After you sign up, you can choose between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan, and you must decide about prescription drug coverage (Part D) at the same time.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin the enrollment process. You will need your Social Security number, your birth certificate or other proof of birth date, and proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all work for this purpose.

If you are signing up online or by phone, have your Medicare number ready if you already have one (it appears on any Medicare correspondence you have received). If you are signing up in person at a Social Security office, bring the original documents or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted for in-person applications.

Signing up online at Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and look for the "Sign Up for Medicare" button on the homepage. You will create a login account if you do not already have one. The online form asks for your personal information, Social Security number, and citizenship status. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

After you submit your process online, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save it. Medicare will mail you a confirmation letter within two weeks. If you do not receive a letter within three weeks, call 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm your process was received.

Signing up by phone or mail

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to sign up over the phone. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number and birth certificate information ready when you call. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

To sign up by mail, call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask them to mail you an process form, or read the form from Medicare.gov. Fill it out completely, sign and date it, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail applications take longer to process — typically three to four weeks — so mail your form at least a month before your coverage needs to start.

In-person enrollment at Social Security

Visit your local Social Security office to sign up in person. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Bring your original birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Staff at the Social Security office will fill out your Medicare process with you and answer questions about your choices. This is a good option if you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face or if you have questions about which coverage option is right for you.

What happens after you sign up

Medicare will mail you a Medicare card within two to three weeks of approval. Your coverage typically starts on the first day of the month you turn 65, even if your card arrives later. Do not wait for the card to arrive before seeking care — your coverage is active as soon as the start date on your approval letter.

You will also receive information about your coverage choices. If you chose Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you will get a red, white, and blue Medicare card. If you chose a Medicare Advantage plan, you will get a card from that insurance company instead. Keep your card with you whenever you see a doctor or go to a hospital.

If you did not choose a prescription drug plan (Part D) when you signed up, you can still add one during the annual enrollment period from October 15 to December 7. However, if you wait and do not have drug coverage, you may owe a late enrollment penalty when you finally do sign up.

Late enrollment penalties and what they cost

If you sign up for Part B after your enrollment window closes, you will pay a penalty of 10 percent of the Part B premium for each full year you were not enrolled. This penalty is added to your monthly premium permanently — it does not go away after a certain time.

For Part D (prescription drugs), the penalty is 1 percent of the national average monthly premium for each month you were not enrolled. Like the Part B penalty, this stays on your account for as long as you have Medicare. The only way to avoid these penalties is to sign up during your initial enrollment window or during a special enrollment period if you have a may have access to life event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am still working at 65 and do not need Medicare yet?

You should still sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) because it is free and has no penalty for late enrollment. You can delay Part B if your employer has 20 or more employees and you have health coverage through your job. When you leave that job, you will have eight months to sign up for Part B without a penalty.

Can I change my mind after I sign up?

Yes. You have until the end of the calendar year to change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa. You can also change your prescription drug plan (Part D) during the annual enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 each year.

What if I miss my enrollment window?

You can still sign up, but you will owe a permanent penalty on your Part B and Part D premiums. The only exception is if you have a may have access to life event, such as losing employer coverage or moving to a new state. Contact Medicare to ask if you may have access to for a special enrollment period.

Do I have to choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage right now?

You must make a choice when you sign up, but you can change your mind during the annual enrollment period each fall. If you are unsure, Original Medicare is the most common choice and gives you the most flexibility in choosing doctors and hospitals.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years to get Medicare. Bring your permanent resident card or naturalization certificate when you sign up. If you do not meet these requirements, contact 1-800-MEDICARE to discuss your situation.