how the process works for Medicare
You explore for Medicare through Social Security, not through Medicare itself. Social Security handles all new enrollments, whether you are turning 65, becoming disabled, or have end-stage renal disease. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office — all three routes lead to the same process and take roughly the same time.
The online process at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/explore is the fastest option if you have a Social Security account set up already. You answer questions about your work history and family, upload documents if needed, and submit. You will get a confirmation number on screen and by email. Processing usually takes two to four weeks.
If you prefer to explore by phone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). An agent will walk you through the same questions and tell you what documents to mail or bring in. If you explore by phone, you will still need to provide proof documents, so this route takes longer overall.
In-person applications at your local Social Security office let you hand over documents the same day, which can speed things up. Find your office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment is faster.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security, not Medicare, handles all Medicare enrollments — explore at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local office.
- The online process is fastest if you already have a Social Security account; processing takes two to four weeks.
- You will need proof of age (birth certificate or passport), citizenship or legal residency (green card or passport), and your Social Security number.
- If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B at 65 — you do not need to explore again.
- explore three months before your 65th birthday to avoid late-enrollment penalties on Part B and Part D.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Social Security requires proof of three things: your age, your citizenship or legal residency, and your identity. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted in person, though the online process can work with scans.
For age, bring your birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. For citizenship or residency, bring your U.S. passport, green card, visa, or naturalization papers. For identity, bring your driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. If you do not have a driver's license, bring two other documents with your name and signature.
You will also need your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can explore for one at the same time as Medicare, but the process takes longer.
When to explore: Timing and important date
The best time to explore is three months before you turn 65. This gives Social Security time to process your process and enroll you in Medicare Parts A and B before your coverage starts on the first day of the month you turn 65. If you miss this window, you can still explore, but you may face late-enrollment penalties.
If you are already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you do not need to explore for Medicare at all. Social Security automatically enrolls you in Parts A and B three months before you turn 65 (or three months after you become disabled, depending on your situation). You will receive your Medicare card in the mail about two weeks before your coverage begins.
If you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits, explore for both at the same time. The process asks whether you want to start Social Security benefits and Medicare together, and you can choose the timing for each.
explore Online at ssa.gov
The online process is the fastest route if you have a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/explore and sign in. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same page — it takes about 10 minutes and requires your email, a password, and answers to security questions based on your credit history.
The process itself asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, citizenship status, and work history. It also asks whether you have a spouse and whether you want to claim benefits based on their work record. Answer honestly; Social Security verifies information against tax records and other government databases.
At the end, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. You will also receive an email confirmation. Social Security will contact you if they need more information or documents.
explore by Phone or In Person
Calling 1-800-772-1213 connects you to a Social Security agent who can take your process over the phone. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and citizenship documents nearby, because the agent will ask for details from each. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. The agent will tell you what documents to mail in or bring to an office.
If you explore in person, bring originals or certified copies of your documents and go to your local Social Security office. You can find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you can hand over your documents on the same day.
Both phone and in-person applications require you to mail or deliver documents afterward, which adds one to two weeks to processing time. Online applications that include document uploads are faster.
What Happens After You explore
Social Security sends you a confirmation letter by mail within two weeks. This letter includes a case number you can use to check on your process status. You can also check status online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you have a my Social Security account.
If Social Security needs more information, they will call or mail you. Respond as quickly as you can, because delays in providing documents delay your enrollment. Processing usually takes two to four weeks from the time you submit everything.
Once approved, you will receive your Medicare card by mail about two weeks before your coverage begins. Your coverage starts on the first day of the month you turn 65 (or the month you become disabled, depending on your situation). If you do not receive your card by then, call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 to request a replacement.
Special Situations: Already on Social Security or Disabled
If you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you do not explore for Medicare. Social Security automatically enrolls you in Parts A and B three months before you turn 65. You will receive your Medicare card without doing anything.
If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are automatically enrolled in Medicare two years after your disability begins. You do not need to explore. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail.
If you have end-stage renal disease or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), you may be able to enroll in Medicare before 65. Contact Social Security to discuss your situation, because the rules are different and the process process is faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for Medicare before I turn 65?
You can explore three months before you turn 65, and you should — this is the earliest Social Security will accept your process. If you are disabled or have end-stage renal disease, you may be able to enroll earlier; contact Social Security to ask about your specific situation.
What if I miss the important date to explore?
You can still explore after you turn 65, but you may face a late-enrollment penalty on Part B and Part D that increases your premiums permanently. The penalty is 10 percent of the Part B premium for each year you were late, and a similar penalty applies to Part D. explore as soon as you realize you missed the important date.
Do I need to explore if I am already on Social Security?
No. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, Social Security automatically enrolls you in Medicare Parts A and B. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail without submitting an process.
How long does it take to get approved?
Processing usually takes two to four weeks from the time you submit all required documents. Online applications with uploaded documents are faster than phone or in-person applications that require you to mail documents afterward.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You can enroll in Medicare if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or have a valid visa. Bring your green card or visa when you explore. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident, contact Social Security to discuss whether you are able to enroll.