Where to Sign Up for Medicare: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Where to sign up depends on when you turn 65 and whether you already receive Social Security

You can sign up for Medicare through Social Security, Medicare.gov, your local Social Security office, or by phone. The place you go depends on your situation — whether you are already getting Social Security payments, when you turn 65, and whether you are signing up on time or late. Most people sign up online at Medicare.gov because it is fastest and you can do it from home. If you prefer to talk to someone, Social Security handles Medicare sign-ups by phone and in person at any Social Security office.

The key difference is timing. If you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period — the seven-month window that starts three months before you turn 65 — you avoid late penalties. If you miss that window, you can still sign up, but you may pay more each month for the rest of your life.

Key Takeaways

Medicare.gov is the fastest way to sign up online; you can complete it in about 10 minutes if you have your Social Security number and birth certificate information ready.
If you already receive Social Security, Medicare will contact you automatically about three months before you turn 65, and you can sign up through that notice or at Medicare.gov.
Social Security offices and the Social Security phone line (1-800-772-1213) can sign you up in person or by phone if you do not want to use the website.
Your Initial Enrollment Period runs for seven months: three months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and three months after — missing this window triggers permanent monthly penalties.
You will need your Social Security number, birth date, citizenship or immigration status, and information about any current health insurance when you sign up.

Signing up online at Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and click "Sign Up for Medicare" on the homepage. You will create a Medicare.gov account using your email address and a password. The site will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and citizenship status. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide your immigration status and document number.

The online form takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will choose which parts of Medicare you want (Part A covers hospital care, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care). If you have current health insurance through an employer or union, tell Medicare that — it may change when you need to sign up for Part B. After you submit, Medicare will send you a confirmation email and mail you a Medicare card within two weeks.

Signing up through Social Security if you already receive benefits

If you are already getting Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, Medicare will send you a notice about three months before you turn 65. The notice explains your options and tells you how to sign up. You can sign up by returning the form in the mail, calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or going online at Medicare.gov.

You do not have to do anything if you want Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) — Social Security will sign you up automatically unless you tell them not to. If you want to decline Part B or make other choices, you must respond to the notice before your 65th birthday. If you ignore the notice and do not sign up, you will face a permanent 10 percent increase to your Part B premium for each year you were may be able to access but did not sign up.

Signing up by phone or in person at Social Security

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and information about any current health insurance ready. A representative will walk you through the sign-up questions and submit your process over the phone. You will receive a confirmation number and a Medicare card in the mail within two weeks.

You can also visit any Social Security office in person. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and proof of citizenship (a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or state ID). If you have current health insurance, bring that information too. The office staff will complete your Medicare sign-up while you wait.

What to do if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period

If you did not sign up during the seven-month window around your 65th birthday, you can still sign up, but you will pay a penalty. For Part B, the penalty is 10 percent of the standard premium for each full year you were may be able to access but did not sign up — and this penalty stays on your bill for life. For Part D (prescription drug coverage), the penalty is 1 percent of the national average premium for each month you were without coverage.

You can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 through March 31 each year. Coverage begins July 1 of that year. If you have a may have access to life event — such as losing employer health insurance, moving to a new state, or becoming a U.S. citizen — you may be able to sign up outside these windows without a penalty. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask whether your situation qualifies.

Documents and information you will need

Gather these items before you sign up, whether online, by phone, or in person:

Your Social Security number
Your date of birth
Proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status (passport, naturalization certificate, green card, or visa)
Information about any current health insurance (employer plan, union plan, or private insurance — the policy number or group number)
Your bank account information if you want your Social Security payments or Medicare reimbursements deposited directly

If you are signing up in person at a Social Security office, bring originals or certified copies of these documents. If you are signing up online or by phone, you will type the information in — you do not need to mail documents unless Medicare asks for them later.

Timeline: When to sign up and when coverage starts

Three months before you turn 65: You can sign up now. Coverage will start the month you turn 65.
The month you turn 65: Sign up this month for coverage to start the same month.
Up to three months after you turn 65: You can still sign up, but coverage may not start until the following month.
After this seven-month window: You can sign up during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31), but coverage does not start until July 1, and you will owe a permanent penalty.

If you are still working and have health insurance through your employer, you may be able to delay Part B sign-up without a penalty. Ask your employer's benefits office whether you may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period.

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 you avoid missing your Initial Enrollment Period. You can sign up at Medicare.gov, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office.

What if I am still working when I turn 65?

You can still sign up for Medicare. If you have health insurance through your employer, tell Medicare that when you sign up — it may delay when you need Part B. Ask your employer's benefits office whether you may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period, which lets you sign up for Part B later without a penalty.

Do I have to sign up for Part B, or can I take just Part A?

Part A (hospital insurance) is automatic if you are getting Social Security. Part B (medical insurance) is optional, but if you decline it and sign up later, you will owe a permanent 10 percent penalty on your monthly premium. If you are still working with employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty — ask your employer's benefits office.

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

Medicare mails your card within two weeks of sign-up. You will get a confirmation email or number right away. If you need to see your Medicare number before the card arrives, you can log into your Medicare.gov account and view it there.

What if I need help signing up and do not speak English?

Medicare.gov offers information in multiple languages. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and tell the representative your language — they can provide an interpreter. You can also visit a Social Security office in person; many offices have bilingual staff or can arrange an interpreter.

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.