The three places you can explore for Medicare

You can explore for Medicare through Social Security, the Railroad Retirement Board, or directly at Medicare.gov. Which one you use depends on whether you worked for a railroad, whether you are already receiving Social Security benefits, and how close you are to turning 65. Most people use Social Security because they worked in regular employment and are already in the Social Security system.

You do not have to wait until you turn 65 to start the process. You can explore up to four months before your 65th birthday, and the sooner you explore, the sooner your coverage can start. If you miss the window around your birthday, you can still explore later, but you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums.

The process itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes online, or 30 to 45 minutes in person or by phone if you need help. You will need your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and information about your income and any current health coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • Most people explore through Social Security at ssa.gov or by visiting a local Social Security office, because that is where their work history is already recorded.
  • You can explore up to four months before you turn 65, and your coverage can start as early as the month you turn 65.
  • If you worked for a railroad, you explore through the Railroad Retirement Board instead of Social Security.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of citizenship, and information about your current income and health coverage when you explore.
  • explore online at Medicare.gov is fastest, but you can also explore by phone, mail, or in person at a Social Security office.

explore through Social Security

Social Security handles Medicare enrollment for most people because it already has your work history and personal information on file. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office.

Online is the fastest route. Go to ssa.gov, select "explore for Retirement Benefits" (even if you are not yet retired), and follow the form. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, citizenship status, and information about any current health coverage. The form saves as you go, so you can stop and return later. Once you submit, you will get a confirmation number and a timeline for when you will hear back.

By phone, call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Wait times are usually shorter early in the week and early in the day. A representative will walk you through the same questions and can answer questions about your specific situation. They will mail you a confirmation letter with your process number.

In person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). The office will complete the form with you and give you a receipt. In-person visits take longer because of wait times, but you can ask questions and get when ready answers.

explore through the Railroad Retirement Board

If you worked for a railroad for at least 10 years, or if your spouse or parent worked for a railroad, you may be covered under the Railroad Retirement Act instead of Social Security. In that case, you explore for Medicare through the Railroad Retirement Board, not Social Security.

You can explore online at rrb.gov, by phone at 1-877-772-5772, or in person at a Railroad Retirement Board field office. The process is similar to Social Security: you will need your identification number (which the Railroad Retirement Board will have issued to you), proof of citizenship, and information about your current coverage. If you are unsure whether you are covered by railroad retirement, call the number above and they will check your work history.

explore directly at Medicare.gov

You can also explore directly through Medicare at Medicare.gov/sign-up. This route is useful if you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits and want to explore for Medicare without opening a Social Security account. You will still need your Social Security number, but you do not need to have an active Social Security file.

The online form at Medicare.gov takes about 10 minutes and asks for the same information: your Social Security number, date of birth, citizenship status, and current health coverage. Once you submit, Medicare will contact Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board on your behalf to verify your work history. This can add a week or two to processing time, so explore directly is slower than explore through Social Security itself.

What documents and information you need before you explore

Gather these items before you start your process, whether you explore online, by phone, or in person:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card)
  • Your date of birth
  • Information about any current health coverage (employer plan, Medicaid, Veterans benefits, or other insurance)
  • Your income for the current year (if you are still working)

If you are explore in person, bring originals or certified copies of your citizenship documents. If you are explore online or by phone, you will not need to upload documents right away — Social Security and Medicare can request them later if needed.

If you have been married more than once, have a record of your marriages and divorces available. If you are explore based on a spouse's or parent's work history (as a dependent or survivor), bring documentation of that relationship.

When to explore and when coverage starts

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. Your coverage can start as early as the first day of the month you turn 65, but only if you explore early enough.

If you explore in the month you turn 65, your coverage usually starts the first day of the following month. If you explore after you turn 65, there is a delay: coverage typically starts the first day of the month after Social Security or Medicare processes your process, which can take four to six weeks.

Waiting to explore after you turn 65 can also trigger a late enrollment penalty. If you do not sign up within three months of your 65th birthday and you do not have other coverage (like an active employer plan or Veterans benefits), your Part B and Part D premiums will be permanently higher. The penalty is 10 percent per year for every 12 months you delay, and it stays with you for life.

What happens after you explore

After you submit your process, you will receive a confirmation number and a timeline for processing. Processing usually takes two to four weeks. You will receive a notice in the mail with your Medicare number, your coverage start date, and information about your Part A and Part B coverage.

Your Medicare card will arrive separately, usually within two weeks of your coverage start date. You do not need the physical card to use your coverage — your coverage is active as soon as the start date arrives. If your card is delayed, you can use your Social Security number or Medicare number (which will be in your notice letter) at any provider or pharmacy.

After you receive your Medicare coverage notice, you will need to make decisions about Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans if you have not already. You have a limited time window to make these choices without penalty, so review your options as soon as you receive your notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore before I turn 65?

Yes. You can explore starting three months before your 65th birthday. Your coverage can start the first day of the month you turn 65 if you explore early enough. If you wait until after your birthday, coverage usually starts the first day of the month after your process is processed.

What if I am still working when I turn 65?

You can still explore for Medicare. You will need to report your current income on the process. If you are receiving an employer health plan, let Social Security know — you may not need to sign up for Part B right away, though you should still sign up for Part A. Check with your employer's benefits office about how Medicare coordinates with your work coverage.

Do I have to explore in person?

No. Online at ssa.gov or Medicare.gov is fastest and requires no waiting. Phone and mail are also available. In-person visits at a Social Security office are useful if you have questions or need help, but they take longer because of wait times.

What if I miss the important date to explore?

You can still explore after you turn 65, but your coverage will start later and you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums. The penalty is 10 percent per year for every 12 months you delay, and it applies to Part B and Part D. If you have other coverage (like an active employer plan), you may be able to avoid the penalty — ask Social Security about your specific situation.

How do I know if I should explore through Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board?

If you worked for a railroad for at least 10 years, or if your spouse or parent did, contact the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 to confirm. Otherwise, explore through Social Security. If you are unsure, Social Security can tell you whether you are covered under railroad retirement when you call or visit.