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 differs depending on whether you are turning 65, already receiving Social Security benefits, or signing up late. Most people become may be able to access at 65, though some may have access to earlier due to disability or end-stage renal disease.

The fastest route is online at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/explore.html, which takes about 15 minutes and produces a confirmation number on the spot. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and bank account information if you want direct deposit. If you are already getting Social Security retirement or disability benefits, Medicare enrollment happens automatically three months before your 65th birthday — you do not need to do anything.

Key Takeaways

  • You can sign up online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office; online is fastest and takes about 15 minutes.
  • If you are already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you are enrolled in Medicare automatically three months before you turn 65.
  • You need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and bank details; have these ready before you start.
  • The standard enrollment window is three months before your 65th birthday through three months after, but signing up late can mean higher premiums for life.
  • If you are still working and have employer health coverage, you may be able to delay Part B enrollment without penalty, but you must report this to Social Security.

When Your Enrollment Window Opens and Closes

Your Initial Enrollment Period is seven months long: three months before the month you turn 65, the month itself, and three months after. For example, if you turn 65 in June, your window runs from March through September. You can sign up any time during this window, and coverage typically starts the first day of the month you turn 65 or the month after, depending on when you enroll.

If you miss this window, you enter the General Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 through March 31 each year. Coverage under General Enrollment does not start until July 1 of that year, meaning a gap of several months. You will also pay a late enrollment penalty — a permanent increase to your Part B and Part D premiums — for each full 12-month period you were not enrolled when you could have been. This penalty stays with you for life, so signing up during your Initial Enrollment Period matters financially.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you sign up, whether online, by phone, or in person:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your birth certificate or other proof of birth date
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card)
  • Your bank account number and routing number if you want direct deposit for any benefits

If you are signing up in person, bring originals or certified copies of these documents. If you are signing up online or by phone, you will answer questions about the information on these documents — you do not have to upload or mail them unless Social Security asks you to verify something later.

Signing Up Online at Social Security

Go to ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/explore.html and select "explore for Retirement Benefits." You will create or log into your my Social Security account. The form asks for your personal information, work history, and banking details. You can save your progress and return later if you need to — the system holds your partial process for 60 days.

After you submit, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Social Security will contact you by phone or mail if they need more information. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging back into your my Social Security account.

Signing Up by Phone or In Person

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your documents ready when you call. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form and will tell you what happens next and when to expect contact from Social Security.

To sign up in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the number above. Bring originals or certified copies of your documents. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary — calling ahead to schedule an appointment is faster. Bring the documents listed above and be prepared to spend 30 to 45 minutes in the office.

If You Are Still Working at 65

If you are still working and have health coverage through your employer, you may be able to delay Part B enrollment without paying a late penalty. This is called creditable coverage. You must still enroll in Part A (hospital insurance) at 65, but you can postpone Part B (medical insurance) as long as you are covered by your employer plan and working.

When you do sign up for Part B later — either when you leave your job or when your employer coverage ends — you have eight months to enroll without penalty. Tell Social Security about your employer coverage when you sign up for Part A, or contact them before you retire. If you do not report it, you will be charged the late enrollment penalty even though you had coverage.

What Happens After You Sign Up

Once Social Security processes your process, you will receive a Medicare card in the mail within two to four weeks. Your coverage typically starts on the first day of the month you turn 65, or the first day of the following month if you sign up after your birthday month. You can use your Medicare card at any hospital, doctor's office, or pharmacy that accepts Medicare.

Your Medicare card shows your name, Medicare number, and the date your coverage began. Keep it with you when you see a doctor or fill a prescription. You can also view your Medicare information online at Medicare.gov or through your my Social Security account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sign up for Medicare if I am still working?

You must sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) at 65 even if you are working. Part B (medical insurance) can be delayed if you have employer coverage and are actively working, but you should report this to Social Security to avoid a late penalty later.

What if I was not a U.S. citizen for the full time I worked here?

You can still sign up for Medicare at 65 if you are now a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have worked in the U.S. long enough to earn credits toward Social Security. Bring your naturalization papers or permanent resident card when you sign up.

Can someone sign up for me if I cannot do it myself?

Yes. A family member, caregiver, or legal representative can sign up on your behalf. They will need a signed statement from you authorizing them to act, or they can bring a power of attorney document. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask what form of authorization they need.

What if I miss my enrollment window?

You can still sign up during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31 each year), but your coverage will not start until July 1, leaving a gap. You will also pay a permanent late enrollment penalty on your Part B and Part D premiums for the rest of your life.

How do I know if my process was received?

If you signed up online, you receive a confirmation number when ready. If you signed up by phone or in person, ask for a confirmation number before you leave. You can also check the status of your process anytime at ssa.gov by logging into your my Social Security account.