Unless you are collecting social security income prior to your 65th birthday, you will be required to take action to enroll in Medicare A and B.
The easiest way to enroll is to visit www.ssa.gov/medicare. Scroll Down to find the button for Apply for Medicare Only (or click here to go right to the application)
- Directions – How to Enroll Online
- If you are still actively working and on Group Health Insurance but want to enroll in Medicare instead of your group health insurance, it makes sense to notate this in the application.
- Typically when you answer the questions that you are still working and have group coverage, Medicare will contact you first to make sure you know you may not be required to enroll in Medicare.
- We recommend that you add the following to the comments box at the end of the application: “Although I am still working and eligible for my group health plan, I have decided that Medicare is more cost effective and I will be replacing my group health coverage”
We strongly advise that you keep your email confirmation receipt and to continuously check your www.myssa.gov to check status on the processing. If you not see Medicare Parts A&B populate in your www.myssa.gov account prior to your effective date request, please contact your Social Security office to confirm that they are in receipt of your application.
If you are applying for Medicare, but do not have 40 quarters of Medicare taxes due to your own history, you will have to apply under your spouses taxes and work history.
Under this circumstance, please contact your Social Security office to explain your situation and request enrollment in Medicare.
- You may be asked for additional documentation such as your marriage certificate when you apply.
You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare A and B. You will receive your ID card approximately 3 months before your 65th birthday.
Do you need your Medicare number, but haven’t received your ID Card yet?
If you do not receive your ID card, please contact HTA and we can help you find your Medicare number online. You can also look for it yourself by logging into www.ssa.gov, but can be tricky to find. Here is are some screen shots to show you what to look for when trying to find your Medicare number online.
When your coverage starts:
The date your coverage starts depends on which month you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage always starts on the first of the month.
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is:
- 3 months before your 65th birthday month
- the month of your 65th birthday
- 3 months following your 65th birthday
