How to Apply for Medicare
Prepare the correct application path and effective date through Social Security.
Determine whether an application is needed
Medicare says some people get Parts A and B automatically, usually connected to Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before 65; others need to sign up. SSA manages the A/B application. Start by checking your benefit status and the official Medicare sign-up path, then confirm whether you need both parts or only Part B.
Official source: Medicare: How to sign up ↗ · SSA: Sign up for Medicare ↗
Pick the correct window
For most new age-65 applicants the initial window runs seven months around the birthday month. Someone who delayed Part B because of qualifying current-employment group coverage can use a Special Enrollment Period, including up to eight months after the job or coverage ends, whichever happens first. If those do not apply, the General Enrollment Period may be the available path. Do not assume the fall plan-election period is a Part B application period.
Official source: Medicare: When to sign up ↗ · Medicare: When coverage starts ↗ · SSA: Sign up for Part B only ↗
Prepare employer evidence when relevant
When using the current-employment Part B window, SSA may require the Part B enrollment application and employer information establishing that the group coverage was based on current work. SSA’s Part B-only guidance identifies the CMS-40B and CMS-L564 forms for paper submissions. Request the employer verification before the plan terminates, and keep dated copies of the completed forms.
Official source: SSA: Sign up for Part B only ↗
Confirm the actual start date
Coverage start rules depend on when and how you sign up. A birthday on the first of a month, current-employment Special Enrollment, and General Enrollment may produce different effective dates. Check SSA application status and the Medicare card. Coordinate any ending employer or retiree policy and any private-plan effective date only after the controlling A/B dates are confirmed.
Official source: Medicare: When coverage starts ↗ · SSA: Check application status ↗
Apply for private coverage separately
SSA signs people up for Parts A and B; it does not select an Advantage, Part D or Medigap policy for them. Medicare’s plan tool can display private plans in your service area. Advantage requires both A and B and a valid plan-election period. Save the plan enrollment receipt, check the effective date and confirm any old drug or employer coverage is coordinated correctly.
Official source: SSA: Sign up for Medicare ↗ · Medicare: Joining a plan ↗ · Medicare: Compare plans ↗