Enrolling in Medicare

At age 65 if you are already receiving your Social Security benefits or railroad retirement board benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in both Parts A and B. Three months before you turn 65, you will receive an initial enrollment package. Also, people who have been on Social Security disability for 24 months at any age will automatically be enrolled in Parts A and B. Everyone else must enroll themselves.

You enroll for both Parts A and B through Social Security, either online at their website, by calling Social Security or by visiting one of their offices with an appointment. You can apply three months before you turn 65 and you don't have to be retired. Individuals can elect to enroll in premium free Part A at any time of the year. If you do not enroll in Part B and a Part D drug plan when you are eligible, you might later be subject to a financial penalty unless you have some other coverage!

You must have both Parts A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. You may enroll in a Medigap plan or Part D drug plan with just Part A. Make a phone call to the Medigap plan, the Part D drug plan or the Medicare Advantage plan to enroll. Please verify that your current doctors participate in the Medicare Advantage plan prior to enrolling. You can compare Medicare plans and learn more about Medicare at medicare.gov.