Signing up for Medicare parts A & B

Step 1: Confirm Your Enrollment Status

Not everyone needs to "sign up." You are likely already enrolled if:

- You have been receiving Social Security benefits for at least 4 months.

- You are under 65 and have been receiving Disability (SSDI) for 24 months.

Action: If this is you, watch your mail! Your red, white, and blue Medicare card will arrive automatically about 3 months before your 65th birthday.

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

Option A: Online (Recommended)

Visit SSA.gov. It takes about 10 minutes, and you’ll receive a confirmation number immediately.

Expert Tip: You do not have to start drawing monthly Social Security checks to sign up for Medicare. You can sign up for "Medicare Only."

Option B: By Phone

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Expect longer hold times, but this is a great option if you have specific questions about your eligibility..

Mark Your Calendar

Timing is the most important part of Medicare. Missing your window can lead to lifetime late-enrollment penalties.

The 7-Month Window: Your Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after.

The "Working Past 65" Rule: If you have health coverage through an employer with 20+ employees, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty.

What Happens After You Click "Submit"?

Once you apply, your application is reviewed. Within a few weeks, you will receive your Medicare number.

This is where we come in. Original Medicare (Parts A & B) typically only covers about 80% of your medical costs and doesn't include most prescription drugs. Once you have your Medicare number, we help you compare:

Medicare Advantage (Part C): All-in-one plans that often include dental, vision, and hearing.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Policies that pay the "gaps" (like the 20% coinsurance) left by Original Medicare.

Part D: Standalone prescription drug coverage.

Copyright 2026. Medicare Team. All Rights Reserved.

This site is not a part of the Facebook™ website or Facebook™ Inc. Additionally, this site is NOT endorsed by Facebook™ in any way. FACEBOOK™ is a trademark of FACEBOOK™, Inc.

Medicare Team is not affiliated with Medicare, the U.S. government, or any state or federal agency. This is an advertisement. Callers will be connected with a licensed insurance agent who may offer Medicare Advantage plans (HMO, PPO, PFFS), Medicare Supplement, and stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDP). We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 6 organizations which offer 2,352 products. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Enrollment is subject to the plan’s contract renewal.