Applying for Medicare
Applying for Medicare
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Who Can Apply?
Who Can Apply?
People 65 and older who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents residing in the U.S. for at least 5 years.
People under 65 who have End Stage Renal Disease (ERD) or Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) or who have been on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or a Railroad Disability Pension for at least 24 consecutive months.
When to apply?
When to apply?
You are eligible to apply during a 7-month period starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month of your birthday. This is known as your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
You may wait to enroll if you are still working and covered by your employer's insurance. However, there are different rules for large and small employers, and there can be penalty risks associated with applying late. It is wise to talk to a an agent like me who can help you consider what works best in your specific situation.
If you have already retired and are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits, you will be enrolled automatically in Medicare Parts A & B when you turn 65.
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you might be able to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Your agent can check to see if you are eligible for one.
If you are not eligible for a SEP, you may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period, January 1st - March 31st, to sign up for Parts A and/or B.
How to apply?
How to apply?
Go to the Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov. Click 'Sign up for Medicare' under the Medicare tab.
Or, if you'd prefer, you can go in person to a Social Security Administration office; it is recommended that you make an appointment first by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Your Medicare card
Your Medicare card
Once you apply for Medicare, it takes approximately 3 weeks for your red, white, and blue Medicare card to come in the mail. This card shows that you are covered by Original Medicare. Keep the card somewhere safe, and don't share the number with anyone except your health care providers.
If you sign up for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan, a separate Supplement card will be sent to you. Show both the Medicare card and Supplement card for all hospital and medical services. A third card will be issued for your required Prescription Drug Plan (PDP); show that one at the pharmacy to get your medications. If you add an optional Dental/Vision/Hearing plan, you will receive a fourth card to show for those services.
If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare, you will get a Medicare Advantage card to show for all medical services, prescriptions, dental and other benefits. This will replace the red, white, and blue card.
If you have Medicare through Railroad Retirement, you will use your Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) card for all medical services.
An agent can help you to enroll in Medicare and set up your online Medicare account. Click the button to the right to request assistance and a free consultation regarding which plans are best for you.
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