Sign Up for Medicare and Estimate Medicare Costs
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 16, 2021
Affordable medical coverage is something everyone wants, especially as people age. Luckily, our nation has safeguards for workers as they get older. Millions of people rely on Medicare, and it can be part of your health insurance plan when you retire.
Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, as well as younger people who have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, and people with certain specific diseases. Two parts of Medicare are Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medicare Insurance). You are eligible for premium-free Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B usually requires a monthly premium payment.
You can apply online for Medicare even if you are not ready to retire. Use our online application to sign up. It takes less than 10 minutes. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if we need more information. Otherwise, you’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail.
You can sign up for Medicare on our website.
If you don’t sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment window that begins three months before the birthday that you reach age 65 and ends three months after that birthday, you’ll face a 10 percent increase in your Part B premiums for every year-long period you’re eligible for coverage but don’t enroll. You may not have to pay the penalty if you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). If you are 65 or older and covered under a group health plan, either from your own or your spouse’s current employment, you may have a special enrollment period during which you can sign up for Medicare Part B. This means that you may delay enrolling in Part B without having to wait for a general enrollment period and without paying the lifetime penalty for late enrollment. Additional rules and limits apply, so if you think a special enrollment period may apply to you, read our Medicare publication, and visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for more information.
Health and drug costs not covered by Medicare can have a big impact on how much you spend each year. You can also estimate Medicare costs using an online tool.
Keeping your healthcare costs down allows you to use your retirement income on other things that you can enjoy. Social Security is here to help you plan a long and happy retirement. Visit our website today.
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About the Author
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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NGUYỄN H.
TÔI MUỐN MUA BẢO HIỂM NHÂN THỌ CÁ NHÂN. – TỪ ĐÂY ĐẾN KHI TÔI CHẾT. – TẤT CẢ MỌI KHOẢN CHI TIẾT HỌP ĐỒNG CÁ NHÂN ĐIỀU ĐƯỢC ĐƯA VÀO QUỸ TỪ THIỆN TOÀN CẦU. – THẾ GIỚI. – KHU CỰC. – KHU VỰC. – VÙNG HẢI ĐẢO. – NGHÀNH NÔNG NGHIỆP – KHOÁNG SẢN.
TẤT CẢ CÁC KHOẢN PHÍ PHẢI TRẢ CHO HỌP ĐỒNG MUA BẢO HIỂM NHÂN THỌ CỦA CÁ NHÂN ĐIỀU ĐƯỢC CHUYỂN KHOẢN QUA NGÂN HÀNG.
Suraj R.
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sagar p.
We are providing walmart credit card details. When we order something online from Walmart, then the first concern comes to our mind is our package delivery status
StevoB
What has your question about purchasing items online from Walmart.com got to do with Medicare eligibility at age 65? I order from Walmart.com and my orders are shipped to me by Fedex. As soon as my order has shipped I receive an email from Walmart.com and Fedex and both emails will have my order’s tracking number. You must be new to purchasing online.
brian c.
one would think yud know I have been on medicare for over 20 years!!!!!!
JOHN L.
What do I have to do to continue receiving the monthly Medicaid payment for my Part B Medicare insurance?
L.A.
Hi John. To get information about assistance for your Medicare Part B monthly premiums, please contact your state or local social services or welfare office. You should also contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program Coordinator) to discuss your health insurance options. We hope this helps.
Adolfo d.
My birthday was just September 28, I am retired leaving in Lima, Peru. I received a letter from Medicare Health Insurance with my medicare number with rights to hospital (part A) benefits only the coverage starts 09-01-2019. I know that to be entitled to this benefits I must be in USA. Leaving abroad must I pay something if I do not need it?
And in case of an special surgery be treated in USA paying the premium. thanks.
L.A.
Hi Adolfo. As you mentioned, Medicare is only available in the USA. Medicare does not provide coverage outside the USA. Please contact your local Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) for further assistance. We hope this helps.
Theresa L.
Can you clarify ” you can apply for medicare even if you are not ready to retire” ? I am 63.5 years old. So does this mean I can pre-apply now but wait till I am 66.4 to receive benefits ?
N.BERGER
you can apply for Medicare (part A – Hospitalization) 3 months before your 65th birthday. Your employment status has no bearing on your enrollment, if you are otherwise eligible for the benefit. Part B (doctor) benefits are often taken at the same time UNLESS you are covered in a group health insurance plan. If so, then, regardless of your age, you have eight months from the date you lose group health insurance in which to enroll in Part B. You can enroll up to three months before your 65th birthday, but the benefit will not go into effect until you reach age 65.
L.A.
Hi Theresa. Thank you for your question. You must be at least 65 years old to apply for Medicare coverage. People who are age 65 you and still working, have the choice to delay signing up for Medicare if they are covered under a group health plan based on their employment. Please speak with your employer and health insurance plan to see what is best for you. You can read more about Medicare coverage on our internet page, and our publication titled “Medicare.” We hope this helps.
Alicia r.
Can someone on SS disability insurance also receive SSI?
Elle
Yes you can receive both benefits.
SSI is Supplement Security Income for people with little to no income.
The approximate income limit is $2,000 in assets for an indivudal and $3,000 for a couple excluding your primary residence and a few other items.
The max benefit amount for an individual is around $733/mon
Richard C.
My son is 59 almost 60 – he has no insurance – lives with my wife and myself – 80 &m 82 – we are on SS….
He has serious Health (Mental Health issues) and has his primary doctors letter of ‘he can’t work’ back problems that sever….do you have a recommendation for any insurance to take out during this sign up period – that will carry him a few years till medicare kicks in . DCuchetti@aol.com
L.A.
Hi Richard. For your security, we do not have access to your personal information in this forum. For specific questions about your account, please call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may also contact your local Social Security office. Also, your son may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include for example, free meals, housekeeping help, and transportation assistance. For more information about services in your area please contact your state or local social services or welfare office. You should also contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program Coordinator) to discuss your health insurance options. We hope this helps.
vipul d.
I donot want to take the medicare that can afford the health insurance premium. I would like to see not to take social security benefits that retirement incomes are high.