Medicare Learning Center
How Do You Sign Up for Medicare?
You sign up for Medicare through the Social Security Administration (SSA), online, by phone, or in person. If you're already receiving Social Security, you're enrolled automatically. If not, you must actively sign up during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday. Missing this window can result in permanent premium penalties of 10% per year.
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How to Enroll in Medicare: 7 Steps
You enroll in Medicare through the Social Security Administration. If you already receive Social Security you are enrolled automatically. If not, here is the 7-step process to sign up on time and avoid the 10%-per-year Part B late penalty.
- 1
Confirm your enrollment window
Your Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months: the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, the month itself, and the 3 months after. Still working with employer coverage from a 20+ employee company? You can delay without penalty.
- 2
Gather your documents
Social Security number, place of birth, and start and end dates for any current or past employer group health plans.
- 3
Apply through the SSA
The fastest way is online at SSA.gov/medicare. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office.
- 4
Choose Part A only, or Part A and Part B
Part A is free for most people. Part B is $202.90/month in 2026. Only skip Part B if you have creditable coverage through an active employer with 20+ employees.
- 5
Wait for your red, white, and blue Medicare card
It arrives by mail about 3 weeks after online applications. Verify Parts A and B are listed correctly.
- 6
Add a Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan
Original Medicare has no drug coverage. Enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles it, during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid the 1%-per-month Part D late penalty.
- 7
Add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) if you keep Original Medicare
Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the month you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you or charge more for health reasons.
What Happens If You're Already Receiving Social Security?
Good news: You are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B. No action required to enroll.
When Coverage Starts
Coverage begins the 1st of the month you turn 65
Birthday on the 1st? Coverage starts the prior month
Medicare card arrives by mail ~3 months before your birthday
What You Need to Do
Review your card: confirm Parts A & B listed
Choose a Supplement or Advantage plan
Consider Part D drug coverage
Important Reminders
Part B premium: $202.90/month (2026)
You can opt out of Part B if you have employer coverage
Your Medigap Open Enrollment window is now active (6 months)
What If You're Not Yet Receiving Social Security?
You MUST actively sign up. Missing your window can result in permanent late penalties, 10% per year for Part B, for life.
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7 Months Total
3 months
Before
Month OF
birthday
3 months
After
How Do You Enroll?
Online at SSA.gov/medicare (fastest method)
Call: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
Visit local Social Security office in person
Part B Late Penalty
10% added to your premium for each 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll. This penalty is permanent, you pay it for the rest of your life. Example: 2 years late = 20% higher premiums forever.
Part D Late Penalty
1% per month added to Part D premium for each month without creditable drug coverage. Also permanent. Example: 24 months late = 24% higher Part D premiums forever.
Can You Delay Medicare If You're Still Working at 65?
Yes, you may delay Part B (and Part D) without penalty if covered under a group health plan through an active employer with 20+ employees. According to CMS, about 17% of people turning 65 delay Part B due to employer coverage.
You CAN Delay Without Penalty If:
Employer with 20+ employees
Active employer group health plan (not retiree coverage)
You or spouse actively employed
Part A is free: most still take it at 65
These Do NOT Count as Creditable Coverage:
COBRA coverage
Retiree health coverage
Marketplace / ACA plans
Small employer (under 20 employees)
Special Enrollment Period (SEP): When you stop working or lose employer coverage, you have 8 months to enroll in Part B penalty-free. Don't miss this window.
How Do You Apply for Medicare Online?
You sign up for Medicare through the Social Security Administration (SSA). According to SSA.gov, online applications are processed fastest, typically within 2-4 weeks.
Sign Up for Medicare (Part A & Part B)
If you're turning 65 and want to enroll in Medicare for the first time, or if you want to sign up for Part A only, use this application.
Apply on SSA.govSign Up for Part B Only
If you already have Part A but previously declined Part B (for example, because you had employer coverage), you can sign up for Part B separately.
Apply for Part B OnlyWhat Documents Do You Need to Apply?
• Your Social Security number
• Your place of birth (city, state, country)
• Start and end dates for any current or past employer group health plans
• For Part B only: a valid email address and your existing Medicare number
Can You Get Medicare Before Age 65?
Yes. According to CMS, about 14% of Medicare beneficiaries are under 65. You may qualify if you:
- • Have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months
- • Have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD / permanent kidney failure)
- • Have been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) - eligible immediately upon disability approval
If you have ESRD, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply for Medicare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Enrollment
Sources: SSA.gov, Medicare.gov
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Free Medicare Enrollment Guide by Nick Depke
A step-by-step walkthrough of Medicare enrollment - deadlines, plan options, and what to watch out for.
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Medicare 101: The Complete Visual Guide (2026)
A comprehensive visual guide covering all the Medicare basics - parts, costs, timelines, and how to choose the right plan.
- ✓Parts A, B, C, and D explained with real 2026 costs
- ✓Side-by-side comparison of Supplement vs. Advantage
- ✓Enrollment scenarios and penalty avoidance
Medicare Has Deadlines That Can Cost You Thousands. Don't Miss One.
Most people turning 65 don't realize there are specific enrollment windows, and missing them means permanent premium penalties. I put every critical step and deadline on one page so you don't have to guess.
"No sales calls. No spam. Just a checklist." - Nick Depke, Depke Insurance Agency