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To apply for Medicare, visit ssa.gov/medicare, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. Most people become eligible at age 65, though you can apply up to 3 months before your birthday month. If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically and your card will arrive about 3 months before you turn 65.
If you are not yet collecting Social Security, you will need to sign up yourself. The steps below walk you through the full process, whether you are enrolling for the first time, adding Part B to existing Part A coverage, or applying for Medicare based on a disability.
Do Not Miss Your Window
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and do not have qualifying employer coverage, you could face a permanent 10% penalty on your Part B premium for every 12 months you were eligible but did not enroll. At 2026 rates, a 3-year delay means paying $240.50/month instead of $202.90 for life.
Step 1: Confirm When You Are Eligible
Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. You can enroll during a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) that starts 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Enrolling in the first 3 months of your IEP gives you the earliest possible coverage start date.
You may also be eligible before age 65 if you have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 consecutive months, have been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), or have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In those cases, Medicare enrollment is handled differently and often begins automatically.
| Situation | When You Become Eligible | How You Enroll |
|---|---|---|
Turning 65, already on Social Security | 3 months before your 65th birthday | Automatic. Card arrives in the mail. |
Turning 65, not on Social Security | 3 months before your 65th birthday | You must apply at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. |
Under 65 with SSDI for 24 months | 25th month of receiving SSDI | Automatic enrollment in Parts A and B. |
ALS diagnosis | Month SSDI begins | Automatic enrollment in Parts A and B. |
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) | Varies by treatment type | Must apply through Social Security. |
Step 2: Choose How to Apply
The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles Medicare enrollment. There are three ways to apply:
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Online at ssa.gov | Visit ssa.gov/medicare, click 'Apply for Medicare Only,' create or log into your my Social Security account, and complete the application (10-30 minutes). | Fastest option, available 24/7 |
By phone | Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). Representatives available Mon-Fri, 8 AM-7 PM local time. | If you have questions during the process |
In person at SSA office | Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Schedule an appointment and bring all required documents. | If you need hands-on help |
Pro Tip
Applying online is the fastest method and gives you a confirmation number immediately. If you need to submit Form CMS-L564 for employer coverage, you can upload it during the online application.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Before applying, gather the following documents to ensure a smooth enrollment process:
Your Social Security number
Your Medicare card (if you already have Part A)
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
Your birth certificate or passport (if applying for the first time)
If applying due to loss of employer coverage: Form CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information), completed and signed by your employer or former employer
If you have COBRA coverage: documentation showing your COBRA coverage dates and when it will end
About COBRA Coverage
COBRA coverage does NOT count as employer coverage for Medicare purposes. If you are on COBRA and turn 65, you should enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period. Relying on COBRA alone can trigger late enrollment penalties.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you have your documents ready, complete your application using one of the three methods above. The online application takes about 10-30 minutes. After submitting, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this for your records. You should receive your Medicare card within 2-4 weeks. You can also access a digital copy of your card through your Medicare.gov account.
How to Apply for Medicare Part A Specifically
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is premium-free for most people who have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). Because it costs nothing, most people accept it automatically. If you are not automatically enrolled and need to apply for Part A specifically, you do so through the same Social Security application process described above.
If you worked fewer than 40 quarters but at least 30 quarters, you can still get Part A by paying a reduced premium ($284/month in 2026). If you worked fewer than 30 quarters, the full premium is $518/month in 2026. In either case, you apply through Social Security.
| Quarters Worked | Monthly Part A Premium |
|---|---|
40 or more (10+ years) | $0 (premium-free) |
30-39 quarters | $284/month |
Fewer than 30 quarters | $518/month |
How to Apply for Part B When You Already Have Part A
This is one of the most common Medicare enrollment scenarios. Many people receive Part A automatically at age 65 (especially if they are already collecting Social Security) but delay Part B because they have employer-sponsored health insurance. When that employer coverage ends, they need to actively enroll in Part B.
To add Part B when you already have Part A, apply through Social Security using one of the three methods above. The most important step is to also submit Form CMS-L564, which your employer or former employer must complete. This form verifies that you had creditable employer coverage and qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.
Find the Right Medicare Plan for Your Area
Get My Plan Recommendations8-Month Deadline
You have 8 months from the date your employer coverage ends (or the date you stop working, whichever happens first) to enroll in Part B. Do not wait until the last minute. Processing times can vary, and a gap in coverage could leave you responsible for significant out-of-pocket costs.
Notify your employer that you are enrolling in Medicare Part B
Ask your employer (or former employer) to complete Form CMS-L564
Apply for Part B online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person
Submit Form CMS-L564 along with your Part B application
Keep copies of all documents for your records
Medicare Enrollment Periods and Deadlines
When you can enroll in Medicare depends on your specific situation. There are three main enrollment periods you should know about:
| Enrollment Period | When It Happens | Coverage Starts | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) | 7-month window: 3 months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and 3 months after | As early as the 1st of your birthday month (if you enroll in the 3 months before) | None. This is your best window. |
Special Enrollment Period (SEP) | 8 months after losing employer coverage or stopping work | As early as the 1st of the month after enrollment | None if you enroll within the 8-month window |
General Enrollment Period (GEP) | January 1 through March 31 each year | July 1 of that year | Yes. Permanent 10% penalty per 12-month gap. |
Special Enrollment Period Details
If you delayed Medicare because you had health coverage through an employer or union, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. You have 8 months after losing your employer coverage (or stopping work, whichever comes first) to sign up for Part B without a penalty. This is the most common scenario for people who work past 65.
When Does Coverage Start?
Your Medicare coverage start date depends on when you enroll and which enrollment period you use:
| When You Enroll | Coverage Start Date |
|---|---|
3 months before your 65th birthday month | 1st day of your birthday month |
During your birthday month | 1st day of the following month |
1 month after your birthday month | 1st day of the 2nd month after enrollment |
2-3 months after your birthday month | 1st day of the 3rd month after enrollment |
During a Special Enrollment Period | 1st day of the month after enrollment |
During General Enrollment Period (Jan-Mar) | July 1 of that year |
*Enrolling early in your IEP ensures the fastest coverage start date.
Use the Medicare Enrollment Timeline Tool
Not sure when your enrollment window opens or exactly when your coverage will start? Our Medicare Decision Kit generates a personalized enrollment timeline based on your date of birth. Enter your birthday and get a custom PDF showing your IEP dates, coverage start date, and key deadlines, all in one place.
Avoiding Late Enrollment Penalties
One of the biggest mistakes new Medicare beneficiaries make is missing their enrollment window. If you do not sign up for Part B when you are first eligible and you do not have qualifying employer coverage, you will face a late enrollment penalty that lasts for as long as you have Part B.
| Penalty Type | How It Is Calculated | Example (2026 Rates) |
|---|---|---|
Part B Late Penalty | 10% of standard premium for each full 12-month period you delayed | 3-year delay = 30% penalty = $240.50/month instead of $202.90 |
Part D Late Penalty | 1% of national base beneficiary premium per month without creditable drug coverage | 24-month gap = ~$8.44/month added permanently |
*These penalties are permanent and cannot be reversed. They are added to your premium for as long as you have the coverage.
Penalties Are Permanent
Unlike most financial penalties, Medicare late enrollment penalties never go away. They are recalculated each year as the standard premium changes, meaning the dollar amount you pay in penalties increases over time even though the percentage stays the same.
The single most important thing you can do is apply 3 months before your 65th birthday. That one step ensures your coverage starts on the first day of your birthday month, and it gives you time to choose a Medigap plan during your open enrollment window when insurers cannot turn you down. I have seen too many people wait until their birthday and then scramble. Three months early is the sweet spot.
What to Do After You Enroll
Once your Medicare enrollment is confirmed, there are several important next steps to consider:
Watch for your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail (typically arrives within 2-4 weeks)
Set up your Medicare.gov account to view your coverage, claims, and digital Medicare card
Evaluate whether you need a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to cover deductibles and coinsurance
Consider enrolling in a Part D prescription drug plan if staying with Original Medicare
Alternatively, explore Medicare Advantage plans that bundle Part A, Part B, and often Part D with extra benefits
Schedule your free Welcome to Medicare preventive visit within the first 12 months of Part B coverage
Medigap Open Enrollment Tip
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts when you are 65 or older AND enrolled in Part B. During this 6-month window, insurers must accept you regardless of health conditions and cannot charge more for pre-existing conditions. This is your best opportunity to lock in a Medigap plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Medicare before I turn 65?
Yes. You can apply for Medicare up to 3 months before your 65th birthday. This is the recommended approach to ensure coverage starts as early as possible, ideally on the first day of your birthday month.
Do I need to sign up for Medicare if I am still working?
If you have employer coverage through your own job (or your spouse's job) at a company with 20 or more employees, you can delay Medicare Part B without penalty. However, you should still sign up for Part A since it is free for most people. When your employer coverage ends, you will have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to add Part B.
What if I missed my enrollment period?
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you will need to wait for the General Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31). Coverage will start July 1, and you may owe a permanent late enrollment penalty.
How long does it take to get my Medicare card?
After enrolling, most people receive their Medicare card within 2 to 4 weeks. You can also log into your Medicare.gov account to access a digital copy of your card immediately.
Does COBRA count as employer coverage for Medicare purposes?
No. COBRA is a continuation of your former employer's plan, but it does not count as current employer coverage for Medicare enrollment purposes. If you are on COBRA when you turn 65, you should enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid late penalties.
Can I have both employer coverage and Medicare at the same time?
Yes. If you work past 65 at a company with 20+ employees, your employer plan is typically primary and Medicare is secondary. Many people enroll in premium-free Part A while keeping their employer plan, then add Part B when they retire.
How do I apply for Medicare Part A only?
You apply for Part A through Social Security, the same way you apply for full Medicare. If you want Part A without Part B, you can decline Part B during the application. Most people who are still working with employer coverage take this approach: enroll in premium-free Part A now and add Part B when they retire.
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