How Do I Signup for Medicare?

Getting started in the Medicare plan is a simple task. For many people no action whatsoever is necessary. If you are close to 65 and already receiving Social Security benefits you do not have to do anything at all to receive Medicare benefits. You are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A. If you are already 65 or older, or as soon as you turn 65, you will be enrolled in Medicare Part B. The difference between Part A and Part B is that Part A is a hospital insurance coverage so that if you are ill and require hospital care it will be covered under the Medicare Part A insurance. Part B is total Medicare coverage that includes all regular doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, testing, and of course hospitalization.

If you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits you can apply for both Medicare and Social Security at the same time if you are close to the age of 65. It is a good idea to apply several months in advance as it can take about three months for the coverage to begin, however, you will need to be at least 61.9 years of age in order to apply. You can call or apply at your local Social Security office, or fill out an easy form online to begin the process.

You can apply for Medicare even if you are not receiving Social Security benefits because you are still working, or other reasons. If you wish to receive Medicare before you begin Social Security you must apply separately. This must be done at your Social Security office as there is no online application solely for Medicare benefits at this time. You need to be close to the age of 65 in order to apply for Medicare Part B coverage alone. Apply three months before you turn 65 in order to have it started in a timely manner. Waiting until you have reached 65 will cause a delay.