How and when to apply for Medicare

Learn how Medicare works and how to sign up based on your situation. Find out where to get help with your benefits or replace your Medicare card.

What is Medicare, and how does it work?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 and over. If you are under 65, you may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Medicare is divided into four parts:

• Medicare Part A is insurance for hospitalization, home or skilled nursing, and hospice.
• Medicare Part B is medical insurance.
  • Learn about canceling Medicare Part A or Part B coverage, including its risks. Or, if you are ready to cancel your coverage, you can submit CMS Form 1763 to your local Social Security office.
  • How it works
  • How to prepare to sign up and submit a Medicare application

  Find out what Medicare costs based on what coverage you choose.

  Medicare enrollment in your 60s

  There are several ways to enroll in Medicare, whether you plan to retire or keep working:

  • If you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits between age 62 and up to 4 months before turning 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65.
  • If you apply for Social Security 3 months before you turn 65 or later, you can sign up for Medicare when you apply for Social Security.
    • The Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare begins 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65 — a total of 7 months. You may have to pay a penalty if you miss your Initial Enrollment Period.

    Receiving Medicare under age 65 if you have a disability

    • If you receive Social Security disability benefits, you will automatically begin receiving Medicare Parts A and B after 24 months.
    • If you have Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), you will receive Medicare Parts A and B immediately when you enroll in Social Security disability benefits. Find and contact your Social Security Office to apply.
    • If you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), learn about Medicare coverage and enrollment.

    Find a doctor, care provider, or hospital that accepts Medicare

    Many types of health care providers accept Medicare. This includes doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, and in-home care providers.