The following information can be found in more detail on the Social Security Administration’s website www.ssa.gov and on the Medicare website www.medicare.gov.
Step 1. Prepare for your enrollment by reviewing information from
You may enroll in Medicare as early as three months prior to your 65th birthday month. Great overview information is available on www.medicare.gov . Additionally, major insurance companies produce introduction to Medicare materials. We would be glad to provide these no cost materials to you.
Step 2. Begin and/or complete the application before your 65th birthday.
You can complete your application for Medicare benefits by going to www.ssa.gov On the Social Security website’s main page, just click on the “Retirement” link in the upper right hand corner of the page. On the next page on the left side about half of the way down there is a banner that says “Apply for Retirement Benefits”. Click on that link and follow the instructions. You are able to apply for Medicare or Social Security benefits or both.
Other Enrollment Options: Many prefer to enroll with the assistance of a Social Security specialist at one of the many Social Security offices.
Step 3. Be aware of the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
This period begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after your birthday. If you have decided that you will be enrolling in Medicare, be sure to complete your application before your IEP ends to avoid any lapse in medical coverage.
Other Enrollment Options: If you do not have computer or internet access, there are other options to apply.
You can also apply:
By phone – Call us 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 us at TTY 1-800-325-0778.
In person – Visit your local Social Security office. (Call first to make an appointment.)
If you do not live in the U.S. or one of its territories you can also contact the nearest U.S. Social Security office, U.S. Embassy or consulate.
Your local IPA agent will be happy to assist you with finding the best option to apply for Medicare benefits.