How To Sign Up for Medicare

When and where to sign up for Medicare

You can sign up for Medicare starting three months before the month you turn 65. The easiest way is to visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or go in person to your local Social Security office. You do not have to wait until you turn 65 — signing up early protects you from late penalties.

If you are already getting Social Security benefits, Medicare will start automatically the month you turn 65. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail about two weeks before your coverage begins. If you are not yet receiving Social Security, you will need to sign up for both at the same time, or sign up for Medicare separately through one of the three routes above.

Your initial sign-up period lasts seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after. If you miss this window and do not have other health coverage, you may face a permanent penalty added to your Part B premium for as long as you have Medicare.

Key Takeaways

You can sign up starting three months before you turn 65 through Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or at your local Social Security office.
If you already receive Social Security, Medicare enrollment happens automatically; if not, you must sign up separately.
Your sign-up window is seven months total — three months before, the month of, and three months after your 65th birthday.
Missing your sign-up period can result in a permanent penalty on your Part B premium unless you have other may have access to coverage.
You will receive your Medicare card by mail about two weeks before your coverage starts.

What you need to have ready before you sign up

Gather your Social Security number, birth date, and current mailing address. You will also need information about any health coverage you currently have — including employer coverage, COBRA, or Medicaid — because this affects which parts of Medicare you should choose and when.

If you are signing up online at Medicare.gov, you will create a login account. If you are calling or visiting in person, the representative will ask these questions directly. Have your information in front of you so the process moves faster.

Signing up online at Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and select "Sign up for Medicare" from the homepage. You will be asked to create an account with an email address and password. Once logged in, you will answer questions about your age, citizenship, and current coverage.

The online form takes about 10 to 15 minutes. At the end, you will review your answers and submit. Medicare will send you a confirmation email, and your Medicare card will arrive by mail within two weeks of your coverage start date. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging back into your Medicare account.

Signing up by phone

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and tell the representative you want to sign up for Medicare. Have your Social Security number, birth date, and current health coverage information ready. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

The representative will ask the same questions as the online form, fill out your process, and give you a confirmation number. Write down this number. Your Medicare card will arrive by mail, and you can call the same number anytime to check on your process status or ask questions about your coverage.

Signing up in person at Social Security

Visit your local Social Security office with your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and proof of citizenship (a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate issued in the U.S.). Bring information about any current health coverage as well.

You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Call ahead to ask about wait times — many offices now require an appointment. The in-person appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number, and your Medicare card will arrive by mail.

Choosing your coverage parts during sign-up

When you sign up, you will decide whether to enroll in Part B (medical insurance) and whether to choose Original Medicare with a Medigap or Part D plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan. These are major decisions that affect your costs and which doctors you can see.

If you are still working and have employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty — but you must tell Medicare this during sign-up. If you delay and do not have other may have access to coverage, you will owe a penalty later. If you are unsure which plan is right for you, Medicare offers free counseling through your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP). Find your state's SHIP at shiptacenter.org.

What happens after you sign up

Your Medicare coverage will start on the first day of the month you turn 65, or the first day of the month after you sign up, whichever is later. Your Medicare card will arrive by mail about two weeks before your coverage begins. Keep this card with you at all times — you will need it when you see a doctor or fill a prescription.

Once you have your card, you can start using your coverage right away. If you chose a Medicare Advantage plan or added Part D prescription coverage, that coverage also begins on your start date. You will receive separate materials from your plan explaining your benefits, copays, and how to find in-network providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I miss my sign-up important date?

You can still sign up after your seven-month window closes, but you may owe a permanent penalty on your Part B premium. The penalty is 10 percent of the Part B premium for each full year you were may be able to access but did not sign up. This penalty stays with you for life. If you have a good reason for missing the important date — such as active military service or employer coverage — you may be able to avoid the penalty; ask Medicare about exceptions.

Can I sign up if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who has lived in the United States for at least five years. If you meet these requirements, you can sign up the same way as any other person turning 65. Bring proof of your immigration status when you sign up in person or mention it when you call.

Do I have to choose a plan during sign-up, or can I decide later?

You must choose Part B during your initial sign-up period to avoid a penalty. However, you can change your Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year). If you are unsure which plan fits your needs, you can enroll in Original Medicare with Part D during sign-up and switch to a Medicare Advantage plan later during open enrollment.

What if I am still working at 65?

You can delay Part B if you have employer coverage through your job or your spouse's job. Tell Medicare about your employer coverage during sign-up so you do not get penalized later. You will need to sign up for Part B within eight months of leaving your job or losing your employer coverage to avoid a penalty.

How do I know if my sign-up went through?

You will receive a confirmation number when you sign up online, by phone, or in person. Write this down. You can check your process status anytime by logging into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Your Medicare card arriving in the mail is the final confirmation that your coverage is active.

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.