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Resources

Am I Enrolled in Medicare?

A woman with straight brown hair styled to the side, wearing a black top, smiles in a circular framed image with a neutral background.
Written by:
Vanessa Jerusalimiec
Ed McClane
Reviewed by:
Ed McClane

Key Takeaways

  • If you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits for at least four months before you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled into Medicare Part A Medicare 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 Medicare Part B Medicare 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. .
  • If you’re working past 65 and you’re not receiving Social Security benefits, you need to enroll in Medicare.
  • You can enroll in Medicare online then check the status of your application by logging into your Social Security account or your Medicare account.
  • If you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare, your coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65.

Will I Automatically Be Enrolled in Medicare When I Turn 65?

Are you approaching 65? You might get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. It all depends on whether you’re receiving Social Security benefits or not.

Anyone receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits is automatically enrolled in Medicare at age 65.

Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A ?


If you’re getting Social Security benefits or RRB benefits for at least four months before turning 65, you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A. You don’t need to sign up for Medicare. Just check the mail for your Medicare card and start using Medicare coverage on the first day of the month you turn 65.

If you are turning 65 and not on Social Security, you may be auto enrolled in Medicare Part A. You can check by contacting the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213, or logging into your my Social Security account. If you don’t have a my Social Security account, you can sign up at SSA.gov.

If you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes when working, you may qualify for premium-free Part A.

Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B ?


If you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits for at least four months before you turn 65, you’ll automatically get Medicare Part B. You’ll get your Medicare card in the mail, along with more information about your benefits. When you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare, your Part B monthly premium is typically deducted from your Social Security or RRB payment.

If you are not receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65, you may have to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B yourself.

How do I know if I’m enrolled in Medicare?


Adults automatically enrolled in Medicare get a Medicare card in the mail before turning 65. If you don’t get your Medicare card, or you’re not sure if you’re enrolled in Medicare, contact the Social Security office. They’ll check your Medicare status and make sure you’re enrolled.

You can reach Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

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Checking Your Medicare Application Online

Many Americans retire when they turn 65 and are not yet collecting Social Security benefits. If you keep working until 65, you’ll need to submit a Medicare application. Start by finding the Medicare application on the Social Security website. The application process is completely free, and you can fill out the entire application online.

Once you’ve applied for Medicare, you can check your Medicare application status online or over the phone. There are several ways to do so:

  • Log into your Social Security account to check the status of your application
  • Call Social Security and find out if your application is being processed
  • Log into your Medicare Account and visit the check enrollment page to see the status of your application
When you check your application status online, you’ll see:
  • The date you applied.
  • The address of the local Social Security office that’s processing your application.
  • Any requests for additional documents.
  • The date your application is approved.

Application approval process


After your application is reviewed, you’ll receive a letter in the mail to confirm your Medicare enrollment.The status of your application will also be updated online.
  • If your application is denied, the letter will explain why and outline the next steps you can take.
  • If your application is approved, the letter will include your coverage start date.
Once your application is processed, you’ll get your Medicare ID card in the mail, along with more information about your Medicare coverage.

How Soon Does Medicare Coverage Start?

Your Medicare coverage start date depends on your age and when you enrolled in Medicare. If you enroll:

  • During the three months before your turn 65, your coverage will start the first day of the month you turn 65.
  • The month you turn 65, your coverage will start at the beginning of the next month.
  • In the three months after your birthday, your coverage will begin two or three months after you sign up.

When am I required to enroll in Medicare ?


The truth is, you’re not required to enroll in Medicare. Although you must pay into the program through your taxes while you’re working, you’re not legally bound to receive it. That said, Medicare is one of the most cost-efficient healthcare solutions for older Americans because it’s partially paid for through tax money. If you do plan to enroll in Medicare, it pays to sign up when you’re first eligible — Medicare Parts A, B and D feature steep, long-lasting enrollment penalties for not signing up on time.

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FAQs

The best time to enroll in Medicare is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This seven-month period starts three months before the month you turn 65, and ends three months after your birth month. If you enroll before your birthday, your Medicare coverage starts on the first day of the month you turn 65.
If you’re still working at 65 and you have employer benefits, you may not be required to enroll in Medicare. This generally depends on the size of your company. You can delay Medicare enrollment and you won’t have any late penalties if your company has more than 20 employees. However, many older adults choose to enroll in Part A as soon as they’re eligible. Part A is usually free, and it can act as secondary insurance. Your employer insurance pays first, then Medicare Part A pays second. This can lower your out-of-pocket costs when accessing healthcare.

If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you may need to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Contact your employer for more information and details.
If you get Social Security benefits, you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65.

Anyone not receiving these benefits needs to apply for Medicare. You’ll need to verify some information with Medicare before your application gets approved. When you’re ready to enroll in Medicare, make sure you have documents that verify:
  • Your date of birth
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your citizenship or permanent resident status
  • Marriage or divorce certificates
  • Your employer information
  • Your income information
  • Military service
You may be contacted by the Social Security Administration if more information is needed to process your enrollment.

Sources

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.