How to Apply & Check for Medicare Part A and Part B Eligibility
Applying for Medicare might be frightening, but it is easier than you think.
Medicare Part A and Part B applications are handled by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
If you are approaching the age of 65, you can enroll for Medicare as early as three months before your 65th birthday. Getting started as soon as possible will ensure that you have your new Medicare card in hand before your effective date.
You will be ready to enroll in a Medicare Advantage/Part D Plan as soon as you receive your new Medicare card.
Follow the instructions below for Medicare Part A Eligibility or Medicare Part B Eligibility if you:
- 1. Are already 65 and still have not received your Medicare Card
- 2. Lost your Medicare card and are unsure of what you have
- 3. Only have Medicare Part A and not Part B / Medicare Part B and not Part A and want to get the other part
- 4. Want to apply for both Part and B
These situations can be solved by:
- 1. Calling SSA (Social Security Administration) at 1-800-772-1213 From 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday
- 2. Online by visiting http://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly/
- 3. You can also visit the nearest SSA office to you in person, but due to COVID-19 this option may not be available at this time
- 4. Applying by mail with these 2 forms:
- Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B Form: CMS 40-B
- Proof of Coverage Form: CMS-L564
Applying for Medicare when you have coverage through a Job
If you are actively working at an employer with 20+ employees, Medicare will be secondary to your employer coverage. You can potentially delay getting Part B and D and not be penalized until you retire or lose creditable coverage.
Creditable Coverage – which means that the coverage is expected to pay on average as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage
Other things to know about applying for Medicare Part A & Part B:
- Medicare is separate from your application for Social Security income benefits. People age into Medicare at age 65, regardless of whether they are taking retirement income benefits yet. If you are a citizen age 65 or older and need medical insurance, you are entitled to enroll in Medicare.
- Medicare will not notify you of when it’s time to sign up.
- If you are receiving Social Security income benefits or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B at age 65. Your card should arrive 1- 2 months before you turn 65.
- If you are NOT yet receiving retirement benefits, then you will need to submit a Medicare application.
- If you have small employer coverage (less than 20 employees), you should always enroll in both Parts A and B when you are first eligible. Medicare will be primary if your employer has less than 20 employees.