How Do I Enroll in Medicare?

Hello Toni,

I’m turning 65 in July and am bombarded with mail and telemarketing calls. I’m not receiving Social Security and a friend who just got Medicare is receiving her Social Security check. Do I have to be receiving my Social Security check to get Medicare? 

I was waiting to apply for Social Security when I could receive 100% of my Social Security benefits. Currently, I have an individual health plan with a $6,000 deductible. So, as you can imagine, having Medicare benefits would be a blessing.

Thanks,
Joan from Phoenix, AZ

Hi Joan,

Enrolling in Medicare can be very confusing! Most people think that when they turn 65, a magical switch flips on, and poof—they’re on Medicare! However, Medicare does not enroll you. On the contrary, Social Security enrolls Americans.

How to Take Medicare at the Right Time: Three Scenarios

Scenario 1: 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.”

Scenario 2: 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.
• 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.

Scenario 3: 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.

How to Apply for Medicare Online

1. Navigate to https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up and click “apply online” to begin the application process.

2. Apply for benefits!

3. Enter Your Information.

• Pay attention and get ready to enter the following information:
  • Name, Social Security number, gender, and date of birth.
  • Contact information, including address, phone number, and email address.
  • Citizen information about you with what language you read and speak.
  • Questions about your health benefits.

After you submit your application online and view your receipt, the system will alert you to any additional information required such as your marriage license.

Your Beneficiary Verification Letter will be available on your Social Security account when your Medicare application is processed. Your new Medicare Card will arrive by mail. Alternatively, you can download your Medicare card by going to medicare.gov and accessing your Medicare account.

Readers, there are specific Medicare rules that everyone must follow. Remember—with Medicare, what you don’t know that WILL hurt you! 

More Medicare Resources

For more help with Medicare, visit these resources:

• Medicare & More – Learn how to navigate Medicare with expert articles, advice, podcasts, and other senior resources.
• Video: Medicare Does NOT Cover These 5 Things
• ToniSays.com

More from Medicare Moments