Medicare Enrollment for Parts A and B
Key Takeaways
- Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is a fee-for-service health insurance program available to Americans aged 65 and older and some individuals with disabilities. Original Medicare is provided by the federal government and is made up of two parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). is a federal health insurance program for individuals who are 65 or older or who have certain disabilities.
- While some people are automatically enrolled into Original Medicare when they turn 65, you may have to enroll in Part AMedicare Part A is hospital insurance, which covers the care you receive while admitted to a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or other inpatient facility. Medicare Part A is part of Original Medicare. and/or Part BMedicare Part B is medical insurance that covers Medicare-approved services — such as medically necessary treatment and preventive services — and certain other costs, like durable medical equipment. Medicare Part B is part of Original Medicare. on your own.
- You can enroll in Medicare by contacting the Social Security Administration online or through the mail.
- Learn more about Original Medicare enrollment at Medicare.gov
What to Know About Enrolling in Medicare Parts A & B
Enrolling in Original Medicare, also called Medicare Parts A and B, is easy when you know what to expect. Here’s a common-sense look at what you need to know about Original Medicare enrollment.
Does Social Security Automatically Enroll You in Medicare?
If you already receive Social Security benefits, you’re automatically enrolled in Original Medicare when you turn 65 or after receiving benefits for 24 consecutive months.
If you don’t receive any benefits from Social Security, you may have to enroll yourself. How does it work?
- When you turn 65, you have an initial enrollment period that includes the three months before and after your birthday month, totaling seven months. For example, If you turn 65 on May 10, you have from the beginning of February to the end of August to enroll.
- If you miss your initial enrollment deadline, you can enroll in Part A and/or Part B during the general enrollment period from January 1 to March 31 each year.
- If you choose not to enroll in Part B when you turn 65 because you have medical insurance through an employer, you may enroll in Part B at any time while on the employer plan. You will also have an eight-month window to enroll in Part B, beginning the month after your employer-provided plan ends.
Can I bundle multiple benefits into one plan?
Am I Eligible for Medicare Part A & B (Original Medicare)?
The Medicare insurance program and its services are only available to American citizens, or those who have been in the country legally for five or more years.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) Eligibility
- Are 65 years of age or older
- Have received Social Security benefits for more than 24 consecutive months
- Have received Railroad Retirement Board benefits for more than 24 consecutive months
- Have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) requiring permanent dialysis or a kidney transplant
- Have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease
How Do I Sign Up for Medicare When I Turn 65?
Most people enroll in Medicare Part A, which is hospital insurance, when they turn 65. That’s because this part of Original Medicare generally has no monthly premium if you or your spouse have worked and paid Medicare tax for at least 10 years. On the other hand, you will have to pay a premium for Part B (medical insurance).
If you choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B and then decide to enroll later, you risk delayed coverage and a higher premium. If you’re unsure about Part B, you can contact a benefit specialist to answer questions and discuss options. Your Part B premium can increase as much as 10% for each 12-month period you’re eligible (when you turn 65) and don’t enroll.
Possible exceptions include:
- You receive health insurance from your employer or your spouse’s employer
- You receive veterans’ benefits
- You have private health insurance
Have questions about your Medicare coverage?
How Do I Enroll In Original Medicare?
When you’re eligible, you can enroll online with the Social Security Administration. If you’re not comfortable with an online enrollment, you can contact the Social Security Administration over the phone or in-person.
To learn more about Medicare Part A and B enrollment, visit Medicare.gov.
Once you are enrolled in an Original Medicare plan, you may want to consider adding a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Part D plan or switching to a Medicare Advantage plan.
What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?
- Name
- Current address
- Phone number
- Social Security number
- Identification documents (birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport)
How long does it take to enroll in Part A and B?
Even if you’re not automatically enrolled in Medicare, the process can be quick and easy. If you sign up before you turn 65, your coverage starts the month of your birthday. If you sign up during the month you turn 65, the next three months, or during the general enrollment period (January 1- March 31), your coverage starts the following month.
Sources
- Social Security Administration. SSA.gov.
- Enrolling in Medicare Part A & Part B. Medicare.gov.
This website is operated by GoHealth, LLC., a licensed health insurance company. The website and its contents are for informational and educational purposes; helping people understand Medicare in a simple way. The purpose of this website is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by a licensed insurance agent/producer or insurance company. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Our mission is to help every American get better health insurance and save money.
Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.