When should you apply?

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If you are under 65

You should sign up for Medicare three months before reaching age 65, even if you are not ready to start receiving retirement benefits. You can opt out of receiving cash retirement benefits now once you are in the online application. Then you can apply online for retirement benefits later.

With the online application, you can sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can turn it down.

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If you choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B and then decide to do so later, your coverage may be delayed and you may have to pay a higher monthly premium for as long as you have Part B. Your monthly premium will go up 10 percent for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B, but didn’t sign up for it, unless you qualify for a

"Special Enrollment Period."

Avoid a Late Enrollment Penalty!

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Enrollment Options:

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• Online at www.ssa.gov

• By phone - Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call  at TTY 1-800-325-0778.

• In person - Visit your local Social Security office. (Call first to make an appointment.)

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Apply Online For Medicare Benefits

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You can apply online for Medicare even if you are not ready to retire. Use the online application to sign up for Medicare. It takes less than 10 minutes. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if we need more information. Otherwise, you’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail.

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Why apply for Medicare online?

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Using the online Medicare application has a number of benefits. You can:

• Avoid trips to your Social Security Office, saving you time and money.

• Answer questions at your convenience by starting and stopping the application without fear of losing any information you entered.

• Make corrections to the application prior to submission.

• Submit your application electronically. There is no need to mail in your application. When you are finished, just select “Submit Now” to send your application to Social Security.

• Receive a receipt online for your application that you can print and keep for your records.

• Check the status of your application online. You will receive a confirmation number once you submit your application.

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What happens after you apply?

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Once your application is received, they will

• Review your application and contact you if they need more information or if we need to see your documents;

• Process your application once they have all of the necessary information and documents; and

• Mail you a decision letter.

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Once you receive your Medicare card you can start searching and comparing your coverage options.