To sign up for Medicare, you’ll need to provide specific documentation to prove your eligibility, age, and identity. Whether you’re applying online, over the phone, or in person, you should have this information ready ahead of time.
It is not uncommon to be asked to provide additional information if you have recently moved, live in more than one state, or have an unusual circumstance. So, the documents you need to apply for Medicare may differ slightly depending on your situation.
What Paperwork Do You Need to Apply for Medicare?
You must sign up for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) through Social Security. To do so, you’ll have three options: apply online, over the phone, or in person. So, what do you need to bring when applying for Medicare?
When applying for Medicare in person, you’ll need to bring the following documents with you:
- Your Social Security card (or other proof of your SSN)
- An original copy of a document proving your age, such as a birth certificate, census record, or vaccine record – if possible, it should be from before you turned five
- Documentation proving legal residency, such as a U.S. passport (if you weren’t born in the United States)
- Your original military service papers (if you served in the military before 1968)
Individuals who previously proved their age or residency status for a prior claim through Social Security or Medicare don’t need to submit the information again. Unless otherwise instructed, Social Security will return all original documents or photocopies.
When applying for Original Medicare on the phone or online, it helps to have the above documents in front of you. This way, you’ll have the information ready when you need it. You may be required to mail or fax your documentation to your local Social Security office if they are unable to validate your identity over the phone.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Medicare Online?
Before you begin to apply for Original Medicare online, you’ll need to create a My Social Security account. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires the following to sign up for an account:
- Your valid email address
- Social security number
- Primary mailing address
Your Valid Email Address
Social Security Number
Primary Mailing Address
The SSA prohibits having someone else sign up for you, even if you give them written permission. Likewise, you can’t sign up for anyone but yourself.
Once you have your Social Security account, you can begin the Medicare application process and refer to the documents on the first bulleted list for the information you need.
Enrolling in Medicare online is one of the most convenient ways to enroll in the federal health program.
Overall, the documentation you need to enroll in Medicare is the same regardless of how you sign up for coverage.
