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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Ankit N.
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Brigitte K.
I need to sign up for Medicare. I am turning 65 in February
L.A.
Hi Brigitte. Thank you for your question. If you are already getting Social Security retirement benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits, you will be automatically enrolled 24 months after you started receiving the disability benefits. If you are not receiving Social Security benefits of any kind, you can enroll in Medicare online. To learn more about Medicare, we have a publication titled “Medicare.” available online. We hope this helps.
Joe D.
I am on 100% disabilty, I was trying to find information if there is any type of tax deductions? Like head of household or any other type. I also noticed my monthly payment will increase starting in December 2019.
L.A.
Hi Joe. For tax information, please contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) online. We hope this helps.
C.D.
Im on disability now .im confused what should i do
L.A.
Hi. Thanks for your question. If you are already getting Social Security disability benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. We hope this helps.
Pushpa M.
do you have to enroll for Medicare every year during the enrollment period or does it automatically renews? Thanks
L.A.
Hi Pushpa. Thanks for your question. If you are already getting Social Security retirement benefits, and are enrolled in Medicare, you do not have to do anything else. We hope this helps.
Elizabeth S.
Hello ~ How do I find out what my Part B premium will be and how do I pay it? My Medicare benefits will go into effect on January 1, 2020. Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Elizabeth. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. For information on ways to pay your Medicare Part B premium, please visit Medicare’s website here. We hope this helps.
Barbara A.
I want to submit the forms I need for medicare part b. I dont know how to upload to Social security
L.A.
Hi Barbara. Thanks for your question. If you already have Medicare Part A and wish to sign up for Medicare Part B, please contact your local Social Security office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Open enrollment for Medicare Part B is from January 1st through March 31. For information and how to apply for Medicare Part B, visit Medicare’s internet page. We hope this is helpful.
L.A.
Hi Barbara. Thanks for your question. If you already have Medicare Part A and wish to sign up for Medicare Part B, please take or mail the form (CMS 40-B, Application for Enrollment In Medicare – Part B) to your local Social Security office. You can also call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. As a reminder, open enrollment for Medicare Part B is from January 1st through March 31. For information on Medicare, please visit http://www.medicare.gov. We hope this is helpful.
Austin L.
Please send me a 100% accurate listing of why I pay the entire medicare insurance coverage cost every month. Id like an itemized and exact to the penny charge, proven by the cost of services, goods related to services, and no people ripping off the government, and therefore charging more to the client/customer then billing the government for even more money
L.A.
Hi Austin. Please note that for your security, we do not have access to your information in this forum. We suggest that you contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or visit Medicare’s website. We hope this information helps.
Mertice B.
I understand about part A and part B. But isn’t there Also a part to sign up for that covers medicine?
L.A.
Hi Mertice. For information on Medicare Part D, please visit Medicare’s internet page. On that page, you can review, compare, and how to join a plan for Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). We hope this helps.
Marie A.
I am looking for, and cannot find, the 2019 income brackets for Medicare premiums. I know Medicare is means tested. I want to know the various categories. Thank you for your help.
L.A.
Hi Marie. On this Medicare.gov internet page, you can find the income brackets for Medicare premiums. We hope this helps.