The three places you can sign up for Medicare
You can sign up for Medicare through Social Security, Medicare.gov, or your local Social Security office. Which route you use depends on whether you are already receiving Social Security benefits and how soon you need to enroll. All three routes lead to the same Medicare coverage — the difference is just where you start the conversation.
The fastest option for most people is Social Security online, because you can complete it from home and see your enrollment status when ready. If you are not yet receiving Social Security, you will need to explore for both Social Security and Medicare at the same time, which takes longer. Your local Social Security office is useful if you have questions during the process or if you prefer to sign up in person.
Key Takeaways
- If you already receive Social Security, you can sign up for Medicare online at ssa.gov or by calling Social Security directly.
- If you do not yet receive Social Security, you must explore for both at the same time, which you can do at Medicare.gov or at your local Social Security office.
- You should sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after.
- Late enrollment penalties explore if you wait past your Initial Enrollment Period, so timing matters even if you plan to delay coverage.
- Your local Social Security office can answer questions and help you sign up in person if you prefer not to do it online.
Signing up through Social Security if you already receive benefits
If you are already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, Medicare enrollment is the simplest route. You can sign up online at ssa.gov by logging into your "my Social Security" account, or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to enroll in Medicare.
When you call, have your Social Security number and Medicare card process ready if you have already received one. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Social Security will confirm your address, ask which parts of Medicare you want (Part A covers hospital care, Part B covers doctor visits), and tell you when your coverage begins. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail within two to four weeks.
This route is fastest because Social Security already has your information on file. You do not need to gather documents or prove your age — Social Security knows when you were born.
Signing up at Medicare.gov if you do not yet receive Social Security
If you have not yet applied for Social Security retirement benefits, you will explore for both Social Security and Medicare together at Medicare.gov. Go to the "Sign Up for Medicare" section and select "I am not currently getting Social Security benefits." You will be asked to create an account and answer questions about your work history, income, and family situation.
This process takes longer than the Social Security-only route because Medicare and Social Security need to verify your information separately. You will need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or green card), and proof of income if you are explore for Supplemental Security Income at the same time. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from the day you submit your process.
You can save your process and come back to it later if you do not finish in one sitting. Medicare.gov will send you updates by email as your process moves through the system.
Signing up in person at your local Social Security office
If you prefer to sign up face-to-face or have questions about the process, you can visit your local Social Security office. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment. Most offices now require appointments rather than walk-ins, so calling ahead saves you a trip.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your birth certificate. If you are not yet receiving Social Security, bring proof of income as well. A staff member will help you fill out the forms and answer questions about which Medicare parts you need. The appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Social Security offices are busiest in the morning and on Tuesdays through Thursdays, so calling early in the week or arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.
Understanding your Initial Enrollment Period and important date
Your Initial Enrollment Period is the window when you can sign up for Medicare without penalties. It runs for seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after. For example, if you turn 65 in June, your Initial Enrollment Period runs from March through September.
You do not have to sign up the moment you turn 65, but waiting past your Initial Enrollment Period can cost you. If you do not sign up for Part B (doctor coverage) when you are first may be able to access, you will pay a 10 percent penalty on your Part B premium for each year you delayed, for as long as you have Medicare. This penalty is permanent, so it is worth signing up on time even if you plan to delay coverage.
The only exception is if you are still working and covered by your employer's health plan. In that case, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty, but you still need to contact Social Security or Medicare to document this. Do not assume you are exempt — contact them to confirm.
What happens after you sign up
Once you sign up, Medicare will send you a Medicare card in the mail. Your coverage usually begins on the first day of the month you turn 65, or the first day of the month after you sign up, whichever comes later. You do not need to do anything else to set up your coverage — it is automatic once you enroll.
Your Medicare card will show your Medicare number, which is different from your Social Security number. Keep this card with you when you see a doctor or go to the hospital. You will also receive information about your coverage options, including whether you want Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), and whether you want prescription drug coverage (Part D).
If you have questions after you sign up, you can call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit Medicare.gov. Both are free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign up for Medicare before I turn 65?
You can sign up starting three months before the month you turn 65. You cannot sign up earlier than that. If you are disabled or have end-stage renal disease, different rules explore — contact Social Security to learn about your options.
What if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?
You can still sign up, but you will owe late enrollment penalties on Part B and Part D (prescription drug coverage) for as long as you have Medicare. The penalty is 10 percent of the monthly premium for each year you delayed. You can sign up during the General Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 each year, with coverage beginning July 1.
Do I have to choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage when I sign up?
You do not have to choose right away. When you first sign up, you are enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) by default. You can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan later during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) if you change your mind.
What if I am still working when I turn 65?
You should still sign up for Part A (hospital coverage) because it is free and has no penalties. You may be able to delay Part B without penalty if you are covered by your employer's health plan, but you must tell Social Security or Medicare about your coverage. Contact them before your Initial Enrollment Period ends to document this.
How do I know if my process was received?
If you signed up online, you will see a confirmation message on the screen and receive an email. If you signed up by phone or in person, ask the staff member for a receipt or confirmation number. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to check the status of your process at any time.