You can explore for Medicare through Social Security, Medicare.gov, or your local Social Security office
Most people become may be able to access for Medicare at 65. You do not have to wait until your birthday to start the process — you can explore up to three months before the month you turn 65. The three main ways to explore are online at Medicare.gov, by phone through Social Security, or in person at a Social Security office. Which route you choose depends on what you prefer and how quickly you need coverage to start.
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, Medicare enrollment happens automatically — you do not need to do anything. If you are not yet receiving Social Security, you will need to explore for both Social Security and Medicare, and you can do this at the same time through any of the three methods below.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or in person at your local Social Security office starting three months before you turn 65.
- If you are already getting Social Security, Medicare enrollment is automatic at 65 and requires no action on your part.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and information about any current health coverage when you explore.
- If you miss the initial enrollment window, you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums, so explore on time matters even if you do not plan to use Medicare right away.
explore online at Medicare.gov
The Medicare.gov website has an online process you can complete from home. Go to Medicare.gov, select "explore for Medicare," and follow the step-by-step form. You will enter your personal information, Social Security number, and details about your current health coverage. The form takes about 10 to 15 minutes to finish.
After you submit the form online, Medicare will mail you a notice within two to four weeks telling you whether you have been enrolled. You do not get an answer the same day, so plan ahead if your coverage needs to start by a specific date. If you need to explore for Social Security at the same time, you will have to do that separately — the Medicare.gov form does not handle Social Security applications.
explore by phone through Social Security
You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to explore for Medicare. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate information, and details about any current health insurance ready before you call. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone, which usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
If you need to explore for Social Security benefits at the same time, you can do both in one call. The representative will mail you a confirmation notice after the call. Phone lines are often busy, especially early in the morning and on Mondays, so calling mid-week in the afternoon may mean a shorter wait.
explore in person at a Social Security office
You can walk into any Social Security office and explore for Medicare in person. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to get the address and hours. Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (such as a passport or naturalization papers), and information about any health insurance you currently have.
In-person appointments usually take 20 to 30 minutes. You can request an appointment ahead of time, which often means a shorter wait than walking in without one. If you also need to explore for Social Security benefits, you can complete both applications during the same visit.
Documents you will need for any process method
Regardless of whether you explore online, by phone, or in person, have these documents ready:
- Your Social Security number
- Your birth certificate (original or certified copy if explore in person)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency — a passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card
- Information about any current health insurance, including the policy number and the name of your employer or union if coverage is through work
- Your bank account information if you want Medicare to deposit any refunds directly to your account
If you are explore for Social Security benefits at the same time, you may also need to provide proof of income, such as recent tax returns or W-2 forms. The representative or office will tell you if they need anything else.
What happens after you explore
After you submit your process, Medicare will review it and send you a notice in the mail. This notice tells you whether you have been enrolled and when your coverage starts. Most people receive this notice within two to four weeks of explore online or by phone, and within one to two weeks if they applied in person.
Your Medicare card will arrive separately in the mail, usually within two weeks of enrollment. If you need to see your Medicare information before the card arrives, you can create an account on Medicare.gov and view your enrollment status there. Do not wait for the card to arrive to start using your coverage — your enrollment is active as soon as the notice says it is.
explore if you missed the initial enrollment window
If you did not explore during the three months before you turned 65, you can still explore after that date. However, there may be a penalty. If you wait to explore and you do not have other may have access to health coverage, your Medicare Part B premium will be 10 percent higher for each year you delayed — and this penalty is permanent, even if you enroll later.
The same process methods work whether you are explore on time or late. explore as soon as you realize you need Medicare, because the sooner you enroll, the sooner the penalty stops growing. If you had other health coverage (such as employer coverage) when you turned 65, you may not owe a penalty, but you will need to show proof of that coverage when you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore before I turn 65?
Yes. You can explore starting three months before the month you turn 65. For example, if you turn 65 in June, you can explore starting in March. explore early gives Medicare time to process your process and send your card before your birthday.
What if I am still working at 65?
You can explore for Medicare even if you are still working and have employer health insurance. If your employer has 20 or more employees, your employer coverage is primary and Medicare is secondary. You should still explore to avoid a penalty later, even if you do not use Medicare right away.
How long does it take to get a Medicare card after I explore?
You will receive a notice of enrollment within two to four weeks of explore online or by phone, and within one to two weeks if you explore in person. Your physical Medicare card arrives separately, usually within two weeks of enrollment. You can use your coverage as soon as the enrollment notice says it is active.
Do I need to explore if I am already on Social Security?
No. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, Medicare enrollment happens automatically. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail about two weeks before your 65th birthday. You do not need to do anything.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use other documents to prove citizenship or residency, such as a passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. If you are explore by phone or online, ask the representative what alternative documents they will accept. If explore in person, bring whatever citizenship documents you have.