1. Determine Your Eligibility

You’re generally eligible for Medicare if you’re 65 or older, or if you’re under 65 and have a qualifying disability or certain medical conditions, like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS

(Lou Gehrig’s disease).

2. Enrollment Periods for Original Medicare

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):

This is a 7-month period that starts 3 months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after your 65th birthday.

General Enrollment Period (GEP):

If you miss your IEP, you can enroll between January 1 and March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP):

If you’re still working and have health coverage through your employer, you can enroll anytime while you’re covered by your employer or within 8

months of losing that coverage.

3. How to Apply

Online:

Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website and apply online. This is the fastest and easiest method.

Go to

ssa.gov/medicare

and follow the instructions to complete the

application.

By Phone:

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

In Person:

Visit your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest office using the SSA Office Locator tool on their

website.

By Mail:

Complete a paper application and mail it to your local Social Security office. You can download the application form from the SSA website.

4. Information Needed

Personal Information: Your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Current Health Insurance: Details about any health insurance you have, including through an employer or union.

Employment Information: Information about your current employment and your employer's health insurance coverage, if applicable.

5. Receive Your Medicare Card

Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail. This typically takes about 3 weeks.

6. Choose Your Coverage

Original Medicare: Includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

Medicare Advantage (Part C): An alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private insurance companies, often includes Part D.

Prescription Drug Plan (Part D): Covers prescription medications.

Medigap (Supplemental Insurance): Optional coverage that helps pay out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.

7. Review and Compare Plans

Compare different plans and decide whether you need additional coverage like Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medigap.

Additional Tips:

Start Early:

Begin the process 3 months before your 65th birthday to ensure your coverage starts on time.

Ask for Help:

If you need assistance, contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free counseling and help with your Medicare decisions.

Applying for Medicare is a straightforward process, and there are multiple resources available to help you through each step.