Boldly Go Online To Apply For Medicare

It’s convenient, quick and easy. There’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative.

Use our 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.

Medicare is managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Social Security works with CMS by enrolling people in Medicare.

For more information about applying for Medicare only and delaying retirement benefits, visit Applying for Medicare Only – Before You Decide.

Apply for Medicare Only  You can apply for Medicare even if you’re not ready to retire.

Return to a Saved Application  If you want to finish an application that you already started.

Note
If you already have Medicare Part A and wish to sign up for Medicare Part B, please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office.

Who can use the online application?

You can use the online Medicare application if you:

  • are at least 64 years and 9 months old;
  • want to sign up for Medicare but do not currently have ANY Medicare coverage; and
  • do not want to start receiving Social Security benefits at this time.

If you plan to delay receiving retirement benefits because you are working, you should still sign up for Medicare three months before reaching age 65. Otherwise, your Medicare medical insurance, as well as prescription drug coverage, could be delayed, and you could be charged higher premiums. 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.

Note

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) and/or health insurance based on employment, you may want to ask your personnel office or insurance company how signing up for Medicare will affect you.

To find out what documents and information you need to apply, go to Information You Need To Apply For Retirement Benefits Or Medicare.

Other Ways To Apply

You can also apply:

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