How to get Part A & Part B

Some people get Part A & Part B automatically

You may qualify for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) if you answer yes to one of the following:

In most cases, you'll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65.

If your birthday is on the first day of the month, Part A and Part B will start the first day of the prior month.

You automatically get Part A and Part B after you get disability benefits from Social Security or certain disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months.

You automatically get Part A and Part B the month your disability benefits begin.

You automatically get Part A. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it.

If you get Medicare automatically

If you're automatically enrolled, you'll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability.

Some people need to sign up for Part A & Part B 

You need to sign up for Part A and Part B if:

  • You aren't getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits (for instance, because you're still working).
  • You qualify for Medicare because you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
  • You live in Puerto Rico and want to sign up for Part B.

How to sign up for Part A & Part B

Don't want Part B?

If you don't want Part B, follow the instructions that come with the card, and send the card back. If you keep the card, you keep Part B and will pay Part B premiums. Get help deciding whether you should keep Part B.