Enrolling in Medicare is easy once you understand how to do so. It’s important to know that how you enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B is different from how you enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D or Medicare supplement insurance.
See the table below for a quick overview of how to enroll in a Medicare or Medigap plan and read on for how-to steps for both Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and the three kinds of Medicare and Medigap plans.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) |
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan |
Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan |
Medicare Supplement Insurance plan |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
How to Enroll |
Enroll in Original Medicare online at the Social Security website or by calling or visiting your local Social Security office. |
Enroll directly in the plan; e.g., on the plan’s website or Medicare.gov . |
Enroll directly in the plan; e.g., on the plan’s website or Medicare.gov . |
Enroll directly in the plan; e.g., on the plan’s website |
How to: Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B
Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Some people are not.
You’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if:
- You’re receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65; or
- You’re eligible for Medicare because of a disability or medical condition.
You must enroll yourself in Medicare Part A and B if:
- You’re not receiving Social Security benefits when you become eligible for Medicare.
How to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B yourself
There are three ways to enroll yourself in Medicare Part A and Part B:
- Online at www.SocialSecurity.gov .
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7a.m. to 7p.m.
- In-person at your local Social Security office.
After you enroll, watch for your Medicare card in the mail in about three weeks.