How Can I Enroll in Medicare with a Blocked Social Security Account?

Hi Toni,

I’m turning 65 in July and haven’t been receiving my Social Security check. Last week, I tried to open a “My Social Security” account to enroll in Medicare online. Unfortunately, I discovered that my Social Security account was blocked. Someone falsely filed for a tax refund with my Social Security Number two years ago. Now, I can’t use anything anything that involves me or my spouse’s Social Security number, credit report, or IRS information.

Can you please explain how I can enroll in Medicare when I cannot open a “My Social Security” account

Anxious and frustrated,
Jodie from Las Vegas, NV

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Great question, Jodie!

My usual advice to Americans who are turning 65 and not receiving a Social Security check would be to apply for Medicare by visiting the Social Security website. I would advise them to do so 3 months before turning 65 for Medicare Parts A and B to begin the first day of the month in which they turned 65.

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Unfortunately, a fraud situation can prevent you from opening a “My Social Security Account.” Jodie, both the IRS and Social Security have locked both your and your spouse’s Social Security numbers. This, in turn, is keeping you from applying for Medicare online.

However, I have some answers that may shed some light on your situation.

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Listen up! If fraud has locked you out of your Social Security account, visit your local Social Security office. You can find your specific Social Security office by searching online with your zip code.

This office can unlock your Social Security number. This will allow both you and your spouse to open a “My Social Security” account and enroll in Medicare online.

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Jodie, I would advise you and your spouse not to leave that local Social Security office until your “My Social Security” account has been either re-opened or a new account has been started. This will finalize your Medicare enrollment.

Additional Steps

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If you’re turning 65, need to enroll in Medicare, and do not have your Social Security account locked like Jodie’s, simply go online to www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up to enroll in Medicare.

Have your username and password handy to begin Medicare enrollment.

Open a “My Social Security Account” at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to be prepared to apply for Medicare Parts A and B when:
- Turning 65 and not working full-time with employer health insurance
  OR
- Not covered by a spouse’s employer health insurance.

Steps to Enrolling in Medicare

Medicare enrollment paper with glasses and pen — Medicare Enrollment Form

Turning 65 and Receiving Your Social Security Check:

You should receive your “Welcome to Medicare” Kit with your Medicare card 90 days prior to turning 65.
If you aren’t working full-time with employer benefits or covered by your spouse’s employer benefits when turning 65, please do not return your Medicare card. You do NOT want to pay for Medicare Part B. This can cause you to receive the “famous Part B penalty.”

Turning 65 and NOT Receiving Your Social Security Check:

You will NOT automatically receive your “Welcome to Medicare” kit when turning 65 with your Medicare card.
You must enroll in Medicare Parts “A, B, and D” to keep from receiving a “late enrollment penalty (LEP).
You must enroll in Medicare online at www.ssa.gov/medicare at least 90 days prior to turning 65 for your Medicare Parts A and B to begin the 1^st day of the month you turn 65. Go to Medicare.gov to enroll in your Medicare Part D plan.
Do NOT wait until right before you turn 65 to enroll in Medicare. It will take time to receive your Medicare card before the 1^st day of the month you turn 65.

Turning 65 and Still Working Full-Time

Do you have Individual Health Insurance?

Working full-time or contract labor with individual health insurance should enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, and D when turning 65 to avoid a Medicare Part B and D penalty.
Note: Medicare does NOT recognize individual health plans as “creditable coverage.”

Do you have Qualified Employer Benefits and Work Full-Time?

Medicare allows you to delay your Medicare Parts A and/or B if you or your spouse are working full-time with employer benefits, not retirement benefits, and you are covered by that specific employer benefits.
IMPORTANT! “Is still working” are Medicare’s buzzwords for delaying your Medicare Part B. Please take note of that, John and others who may be in his shoes!
To enroll in Medicare after turning 65 and having delayed Medicare Part B due to working full-time with employer benefits, complete Social Security forms CMS-L564 “Request for Employment Information” (signed by the employer or HR) and CMS-40B “Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B.” Under “Remarks #12,” state which month you want your Medicare Part B to start. Take your forms to your specific Social Security office either in person, by fax, or by priority mail to enroll in Medicare Part B. Remember to write the words “Special Enrollment Period” across the top of each form to keep from receiving the famous Medicare Part B penalty.

Toni’s new book Maze of Medicare is available to purchase at www.tonisays.com. Maze of Medicare is the first book explaining Medicare that includes Scripture and positive quotes to help relieve the common stress and anxiety associated with transitioning to Medicare.