How to Enroll in Medicare Part A & Part B

We suggest you begin this process 3 months before you want coverage to start. 

• If you are turning 65, you can start coverage the first of the month of your birthday month. 
• If your birthday is the first of the month, you can start one month early. 
• If you are over 65 and are retiring, double check with your employer as to when your coverage will end. You will want to start this coverage with no gap in coverage.

If you have questions on when to start this process, please reach out to us. 

Before starting the application, have these items ready:

• Social Security number
• Birth certificate (or proof of age)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
• Employer coverage information (if delaying or coordinating enrollment)
• Dates of any prior health coverage

This makes the online process much smoother.

Visit: ssa.gov/medicare   This is the official enrollment portal for Medicare Part A and Part B.

You’ll click “Apply for Medicare Only” if you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits.

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a mySocialSecurity account. This allows you to:

• Submit your Medicare application
• Track your enrollment status
• Receive updates

The application will ask for:

• Personal information
• Current or past employer coverage
• Whether you want Part A, Part B, or both

Most people enroll in both unless they have creditable employer coverage and are delaying Part B.

Once submitted, Social Security will:

• Review your information
• Contact you if they need additional documents
• Mail your Medicare card once approved

Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks.

You can log into your mySocialSecurity account anytime to check:

• Whether your application is pending
• If Social Security needs more information
• When your Medicare coverage will start

Once approved, you’ll receive your red‑white‑and‑blue Medicare card showing:

• Medicare number
• Part A start date
• Part B start date

Keep this card safe—you’ll need it to enroll in a Medicare Advantage, Supplement, or Part D plan. This is where we help you.

You can also enroll by:

• Calling Social Security
• Visiting a local Social Security office (appointment recommended)

But the online application is the fastest and easiest for most people.