How to Sign Up for Medicare: Who Qualifies and What to Do

Who qualifies for Medicare

Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 or older, and for some people under 65 who have certain disabilities or conditions.

Medicare is not the same as Medicaid. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program for certain people with low income, and if you qualify for both you can have both.

When Medicare starts without an application

If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits at least four months before you turn 65, you are enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically when you turn 65. Medicare mails you a welcome package with your Medicare card about three months before your coverage starts.

If you are under 65 and get Social Security disability benefits, you are enrolled automatically after 24 months of benefits. If you have ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease, you are enrolled as soon as your disability benefits begin.

If you have to sign up yourself

If you are 65 or older and not getting Social Security benefits, you contact Social Security to sign up for Medicare. Signing up online is the easiest and fastest way, and you need a secure Social Security account to do it. If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.

If you are still working and have job-based coverage, you may not want to sign up for Part B yet. Check the timing first, because waiting can add a penalty if you do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Choose how to get your coverage

Once you have Part A and Part B, you have Original Medicare. Most people add prescription drug coverage by joining a Part D plan, and you can also buy a Medigap policy. You can choose a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare.

Our guides to Medicare Parts A, B, C and D and to Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare explain each choice.

Watch the timing

You can only sign up for Part B at certain times. Signing up late can mean a gap in coverage and a monthly penalty. Our guides to Medicare enrollment periods and to late enrollment penalties cover the dates and the costs.

Help with signing up in Moreno Valley

In California, HICAP (the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, run by the California Department of Aging) gives free, confidential one-on-one Medicare counseling. You can reach it at 1-800-434-0222.

Earl Doucette also offers a free consultation at his walk-in office at 14315 Corporate Way Ste C in Moreno Valley, or by phone. He checks that your doctors and prescriptions stay covered before you enroll.

Common questions

Do I have to sign up for Medicare at 65?

Getting Medicare is your choice. If you want it, you contact Social Security. If you wait, you may have a gap in coverage and pay a monthly penalty, unless you have other coverage or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

How do I sign up for Medicare online?

Go to the Social Security website and create a secure Social Security account. Social Security says signing up online is the easiest and fastest way.

Will I get a Medicare card?

Yes. If you are enrolled automatically, Medicare mails you a welcome package with your Medicare card about three months before your coverage starts.