How to Sign Up for Medicare: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you wondering how to sign up for Medicare? We have created a step-by-step guide on how to sign up for Original Medicare Parts A and B to make things easier for you.

Understanding Medicare

Before we dive into the enrollment process, let’s quickly recap what Medicare is. Medicare is broken into several parts:

• Part A: Hospital Insurance
• Part B: Medical Insurance

Additionally, there are:

• Part D: Prescription Drug Plans
• Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans
• Medicare Supplement Plans: Also known as Medigap

In this guide, we will focus on the enrollment for Original Medicare Parts A and B. For information on enrolling in Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans, please give us a call or book an appointment with us at 800-208-4974.

Eligibility for Medicare

The first step in signing up for Medicare is to ensure you’re eligible. Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if:

• You are 65 or older
• You are under 65 and qualify through a disability

Once you have confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to know when to enroll.

Enrollment Periods

There are several enrollment periods when you can join Medicare, depending on your situation. Let’s cover the most common ones:

1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
   • This period starts 3 months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and lasts for 3 months after you turn 65. So, it is a total of 7 months.
   • For example, if you turn 65 in April, your Initial Enrollment Period would start in January and end in July.
2. Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
   • This period is used when you are coming off a group plan due to employment ending, either through yourself or a spouse.
   • You have 8 months to sign up for Medicare Part B once your employer plan ends and you stop working.
   • We recommend starting the signup process 1-2 months before you stop working to avoid any gap in coverage.
3. General Enrollment Period (GEP)
   • If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period.
   • This period runs each year from January 1st to March 31st, with coverage starting the first of the month following your signup.

How to Sign Up for Medicare A and B When Turning 65

The easiest way to sign up is online at ssa.gov.

1. Go to ssa.gov and click “Medicare” at the top.
2. Click “Sign up for Medicare” in the top menu.
3. Click “Apply Now” and follow the step-by-step instructions on the screen.

Alternatively, you can sign up by:

• Calling the Social Security office at 800-772-1213 to enroll over the phone.
• Visiting your local Social Security office and applying in person. It is advisable to schedule an appointment ahead of time.

How to Enroll in Medicare Part B Only When Coming Off a Group Plan

If you have delayed Medicare Part B past age 65, the easiest way to sign up is online at ssa.gov.

1. Go to ssa.gov and click “Medicare” then “Sign up for Medicare.”
2. Click on “Sign up for Part B only” and then under “Submit Application” click “Start Application.”
3. Fill in all required information and upload required documents to prove employment coverage, such as a letter from your employer, a W2, pay stubs, health insurance cards, etc. There is a list of acceptable documents at the bottom of the application.

Alternatively, you can:

• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to enroll in Part B only over the phone.

We recommend entering your requested effective date for Part B to start in the “remarks” section on the application. Once you have the application filled out and the documents attached, click “Click to Sign” at the bottom.

Additional Enrollment Situations

If a different situation applies to you other than the ones discussed, you can call us at 800-208-4974 for assistance with your Medicare enrollment.