4 Steps to Take to Get Medicare Coverage

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

You’re eligible for Medicare if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and meet one of the following criteria:

• 65 years of age or older

• Receiving disability benefits for at least 24 months

• Diagnosed with ALS or ESRD

Step 2: When to Sign Up for Medicare

The period in which you are first eligible to sign up for Medicare is called your Initial Enrollment Period.

For most, the Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

You will need to provide documentation to prove your eligibility, age, and identity. This includes:

• Your Social Security card

• An original copy of a document proving your age (i.e. birth certificate)

• Documentation proving U.S. citizenship (i.e. driver’s license)

If you’re still employed when you sign up for Medicare. You may need to provide additional information such as W-2 forms or information about your health coverage 

Step 4: Ways to Sign Up for Medicare

You sign up for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B through the Social Security Administration.

3 Ways to Sign up for Medicare:

• Apply online by visiting SSA.gov

• Sign up over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213

• Apply in person at your local Social Security Administration office

Have questions about enrollment?

Learn more about signing up for Medicare by swiping up.