Where to sign up online for Medicare

You sign up for Medicare through Medicare.gov, the official government website. This is the only place you need to go — you do not need to visit a Social Security office, call multiple numbers, or use a third-party website to complete your enrollment.

Go to Medicare.gov and look for the "Sign Up" link on the homepage. This takes you to the enrollment section where you can create an account, answer questions about your situation, and submit your information online. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have your documents ready.

You can also call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if you prefer to sign up by phone instead. A representative can walk you through the same questions and submit your enrollment for you. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Medicare.gov and use the "Sign Up" link to create your account and enroll online in about 15 to 30 minutes.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, citizenship or immigration status, and information about any current health insurance.
  • Sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before the month you turn 65 and lasts nine months total.
  • If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can still sign up during the General Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 each year, but you may face a permanent penalty.
  • After you submit your information online, Medicare will send you a confirmation and your Medicare card by mail within two to four weeks.

What documents and information you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to Medicare.gov so you do not have to stop and search for them while you are filling out the form. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the names and addresses of any doctors or hospitals you currently use.

Have your current health insurance information ready if you have it — this includes the name of your insurance company, your policy number, and your group number if you are covered through an employer or union. If you do not have current insurance, you can still sign up; just note that you do not have coverage.

You will also answer questions about your citizenship or immigration status. If you are not a U.S. citizen, have your green card number or immigration document number available. If you are a citizen, you will confirm that on the form.

Step-by-step: signing up on Medicare.gov

Step 1: Go to Medicare.gov and create an account. Click "Sign Up" on the homepage. You will be asked to enter your email address and create a password. Write down your password somewhere safe — you will need it if you want to check on your process status later.

Step 2: Answer questions about yourself. The form will ask for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and citizenship status. Answer each question as it appears. If you are not sure about something, you can leave it blank and come back to it, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask.

Step 3: Tell Medicare about your current insurance. The form asks whether you have health insurance now. If you do, enter the name of your insurance company and your policy number. If you do not, select "No" and move forward.

Step 4: Choose your coverage. Medicare has different parts — Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (doctor and outpatient care), and Part D (prescription drug coverage). The form will walk you through which parts you want. Most people sign up for Part A and Part B together. Part D is separate and optional.

Step 5: Review and submit. Before you click submit, read through everything you entered to make sure it is correct. Once you submit, you cannot change it online — you will have to call Medicare to make changes. Click the submit button when you are ready.

Step 6: Save your confirmation number. After you submit, Medicare will give you a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. You can use this number to check on your process status at any time.

When to sign up: your enrollment periods

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the most important important date. It starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65 — that is nine months total. For example, if you turn 65 in June, your enrollment period runs from March through December.

If you sign up during this nine-month window, your coverage can start as early as the first day of the month you turn 65. If you wait until after your Initial Enrollment Period ends, there is a gap before your coverage begins, and you may owe a permanent penalty on your premiums for as long as you have Medicare.

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. Coverage starts July 1 of that year. You will likely owe a late penalty, so it is better to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period if you can.

There are exceptions: if you have health insurance through your job or your spouse's job, you may be able to sign up later without a penalty. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about your situation.

What happens after you submit your enrollment online

Medicare will send you a confirmation email to the address you provided. Check your email (including your spam folder) within a few days. The email will tell you whether your enrollment was received and what happens next.

Your official Medicare card will arrive by mail within two to four weeks. This card shows your Medicare number and which parts of Medicare you are enrolled in. Keep it in a safe place — you will need it every time you see a doctor or fill a prescription.

Before your card arrives, you can check your enrollment status anytime by logging back into Medicare.gov with your email and password. Click "My Medicare" and look for your process status. If there is a problem, Medicare will tell you what information is missing or what you need to fix.

If you do not receive your card within four weeks, or if you need to make a change to your enrollment, call 1-800-MEDICARE. A representative can look up your process, print a temporary card number for you to use right away, and help you fix any errors.

Common reasons your online enrollment might be delayed

Medicare may ask you for more information if there is a mismatch between what you entered and what is in their records. This often happens with name spelling, date of birth, or Social Security number. If this occurs, Medicare will send you a letter explaining what they need. Follow the instructions in the letter — you may need to mail in documents or call to verify information.

Your enrollment can also be delayed if you are not yet may be able to access. You must be 65 or older, or under 65 with a disability or end-stage renal disease that Medicare recognizes. If Medicare determines you do not meet these requirements, they will tell you why in a letter and explain how to appeal if you disagree.

If you have other health insurance through your job, Medicare may need to confirm that coverage before they process your enrollment. This is normal and usually takes a few extra days. The insurance company will send Medicare the information directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign up for Medicare before I turn 65?

Yes. You can sign up starting three months before your 65th birthday. This is the best time to sign up because your coverage can start on the first day of the month you turn 65. If you wait until after you turn 65, there may be a gap before your coverage begins.

What if I do not have internet access or cannot use a computer?

Call 1-800-MEDICARE and a representative will sign you up over the phone. They will ask you the same questions as the online form and submit your enrollment for you. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also visit your local Social Security office and ask them to help you sign up.

Do I have to choose a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap plan when I sign up online?

No. When you sign up on Medicare.gov, you are enrolling in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). You can choose a Medicare Advantage plan or buy a Medigap policy later. You have until December 7 each year to make those choices, though some plans have different important date.

What if I already have Medicare but want to make changes to my coverage?

Log into Medicare.gov with your existing account. Click "My Medicare" and look for the option to change your coverage. You can make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 each year. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.

Will Medicare contact me after I sign up online?

Medicare will send you a confirmation email and then mail your Medicare card. They will not call you to confirm your enrollment unless there is a problem with your process. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asking for personal information, hang up — this is a scam. Medicare will never call you first.