Where and When to Sign Up for Medicare

How to sign up for Medicare

You sign up for Medicare through Social Security, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The process is straightforward if you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period — the seven-month window that starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. If you miss this window, you can still sign up, but you may face permanent penalties on your premiums.

Most people do not need to do anything if they are already receiving Social Security benefits — Medicare enrollment happens automatically three months before your 65th birthday. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail. If you are not yet receiving Social Security, you must contact Social Security to sign up for both at the same time.

The entire process takes about 15 minutes online or over the phone. You will need your Social Security number, birth date, citizenship or immigration status, and information about any current health coverage. Social Security will ask which parts of Medicare you want (Part A, Part B, Part D, or a combination), and your coverage will begin on the first day of your birth month if you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period.

Key Takeaways

• You sign up through Social Security at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office — not through Medicare directly.
• Your Initial Enrollment Period is seven months long: three months before, the month of, and three months after your 65th birthday.
• If you already receive Social Security, Medicare enrollment is automatic and you will receive your card by mail.
• Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can result in permanent premium increases, so signing up on time matters even if you do not plan to use Medicare right away.
• You can sign up online in about 15 minutes if you have your Social Security number and current insurance information available.

What happens if you miss your Initial Enrollment Period

If you do not sign up during your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period, you can still sign up later, but penalties explore. For Part B (medical insurance), you will pay an extra 10 percent on your premium for each 12-month period you delayed — and this penalty is permanent, added to every premium for the rest of your life. For Part D (prescription drug coverage), the penalty is roughly 1 percent of the national average premium per month of delay, also permanent.

There are limited exceptions. If you had creditable coverage — health insurance through an employer or union that was at least as good as Medicare — you may not face a penalty. You will need to prove you had this coverage when you sign up. If you were still working and covered under your employer's plan, you have an eight-month window after you leave that job or lose the coverage to sign up without penalty.

If you are already on Medicare and realize you missed Part D enrollment, you can sign up during the annual open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 each year, with coverage starting January 1. However, the late-enrollment penalty still applies.

Signing up if you are not yet receiving Social Security

If you are turning 65 but have not yet started collecting Social Security retirement benefits, you must contact Social Security to sign up for Medicare. You cannot sign up for Medicare alone — the two are linked in Social Security's system. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office with your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of residence (a recent utility bill or lease works).

When you call or visit, tell Social Security that you want to sign up for Medicare but are not yet ready to start collecting retirement benefits. Social Security can enroll you in Medicare Part A and Part B without starting your benefit payments. Your Medicare coverage will begin on the first of your birth month, and you can start collecting Social Security benefits later when you choose — as early as age 62 or as late as age 70.

If you are still working at 65 and covered by your employer's health plan, you may want to delay Part B enrollment. In this case, tell Social Security you want Part A only. You will have eight months after you leave your job or lose your employer coverage to sign up for Part B without a late-enrollment penalty.

Signing up online versus by phone or in person

Signing up online at ssa.gov is the fastest option if you already have a Social Security account. You can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount — it takes a few minutes and requires your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. Once your account is set up, you can sign up for Medicare by logging in and selecting "Sign up for Medicare" from the menu. The online form takes about 15 minutes and you will see confirmation when ready.

If you prefer to speak with someone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week. Have your information ready before you call: Social Security number, birth date, citizenship status, and details about any current health coverage.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some offices require an appointment; call ahead to check. Visiting in person can be helpful if you need help with documents or have questions about your specific situation.

What to do after you sign up

After you sign up, Social Security will send you a Medicare card by mail within two to four weeks. Your coverage begins on the first day of your birth month, even if your card has not arrived yet. You do not need to wait for the card to start using Medicare — you can use your Social Security number as your Medicare number at the doctor's office or hospital.

If you signed up for Part D (prescription drug coverage) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your coverage also begins on the first of your birth month. If you chose Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you may want to sign up for a Medigap policy (supplemental insurance) to cover costs that Medicare does not pay. You have a six-month window after your Part B coverage starts to sign up for Medigap without medical underwriting — meaning the insurance company cannot deny you or charge more based on your health.

Keep your Medicare card in a safe place. You will need it every time you see a doctor, go to the hospital, or fill a prescription. If your card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling Social Security.

Special situations: signing up while working or with ESRD

If you are still working at 65 and covered by your employer's health plan, you do not have to sign up for Medicare Part B right away. You can delay Part B enrollment without penalty as long as you are covered by the employer plan and actively working. However, you should still sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) at 65, since it is free and covers hospital stays.

When you leave your job or lose your employer coverage, you have eight months to sign up for Part B without a late-enrollment penalty. This is called your Special Enrollment Period. Contact Social Security within this eight-month window to add Part B to your coverage.

If you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) — permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant — you become may be able to access for Medicare regardless of age. You can sign up through Social Security at any time. Your coverage will begin the first month of dialysis treatment, the month of your kidney transplant, or the month you start a kidney transplant evaluation, depending on your situation. Ask your nephrologist or dialysis center for help understanding your specific start date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign up for Medicare before I turn 65?

Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday, so yes — you can sign up starting then. Most people should sign up during this three-month window before their birthday month to may support coverage starts on the first of their birth month. If you wait until after your birthday month, your coverage will start on the first of the following month.

What if I am still working and do not want Medicare yet?

You can delay Part B if you are covered by your employer's health plan and actively working. However, you should still sign up for Part A at 65 since it is free. When you leave your job, you have eight months to add Part B without a penalty. Contact Social Security to discuss your specific situation.

Do I sign up for Medicare through Medicare.gov?

No. You sign up through Social Security at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. Medicare.gov is a resource for information about plans and coverage, but Social Security handles enrollment. This confusion is common, so double-check you are using the right website.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can sign up for Medicare if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who has lived in the United States for at least five years, or if you are a citizen. When you sign up, bring your green card or citizenship documents. Contact Social Security for details about your specific immigration status.

Can someone help me sign up if I need information?

Yes. You can bring a trusted family member or friend to your Social Security office appointment, or they can be on the phone call with you if you call. If you need language interpretation, Social Security offers free interpreters in many languages — request one when you call or visit. Some community centers and senior centers also offer free help with Medicare sign-up.