As of 2023, over 65 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare. Despite that, the enrollment process remains more confusing than it should be.

One issue you may struggle with is when to enroll. Some people are enrolled automatically, but others must sign up on their own. There’s also a lot of uncertainty about what Medicare covers, what you’re paying for, etc.

To make sense of it all, many people end up googling, “How do I enroll in Medicare?” If this is how you got here, you’ve come to the right place! Read on for a Medicare enrollment guide that will answer your questions!

Will I Be Automatically Enrolled at 65?

The simple answer to this question is: it depends. In general, getting automatically enrolled in Medicare requires doing some groundwork.

One way to be automatically enrolled is to apply for Social Security retirement benefits at least four months before turning 65.

If you haven’t taken this anticipatory step, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare upon turning 65. That said, if you have health insurance, talk to your employer first. Often, it may make more sense to delay your enrollment.

When and How Do I Enroll in Medicare?

The initial enrollment period for Medicare takes place over a period of seven months. They are the month of your 65th birthday plus the three months before and after that month.

There’s also a general enrollment period that runs from January 1st to March 31st. If you miss your initial enrollment period, you’ll need to wait for the next general one. This may involve paying a late enrollment penalty.

You may also qualify for a special enrollment period. They can last from six months to a year and involve no penalties. Special circumstances that may allow you to enroll this way include:

• Experiencing a natural disaster during your initial enrollment period
• Being in prison during your initial enrollment period
• Receiving inaccurate information from your employer
• Serving in another country during your initial enrollment period
• Losing your health insurance coverage

What Are Medicare Parts A and B?

Medicare coverage consists of four parts: A, B, C, and D. Most people opt to receive one or both parts of Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

Part A helps you pay for hospitalizations, home care, and nursing care. If you or your spouse have been paying Medicare taxes, you won’t need to pay a premium. Otherwise, you can buy in for $278 or $505 monthly.

Part B covers medical services and items that are medically necessary. If you have part B, you’ll pay a premium each month. The exact cost depends on your income and Medicare eligibility requirements.

Choosing Part A or Part B (or both) can depend on many factors. You may also opt for a Medicare Advantage package, known as Plan C. If you’re unsure what to do, consider talking to a health insurance agent.

When Does My Coverage Start?

This depends on when you apply. If you do it in the three months before your birthday, your coverage starts in your birthday month. It will always start on the first day of the month, regardless of when your birthday is.

If you apply during the month of your 65th birthday or the three months after it, your coverage will start on the first month after the month you applied. Again, it will always start running from the first day of that month.

Navigating the Online Enrollment Process

Once you decide to enroll, you’ll go through the Medicare sign-up process. Here are the four key Medicare application steps you need to know.

1. Register for a Medicare Account

To sign up for Medicare, you’ll first need to head to the Social Security Administration site. Under “Sign Up for Medicare,” select “Apply Online.” Agree to the terms of service, then click “Next.”

On the next page, you’ll see a section titled “Apply & Complete.” Select the “Start a New Application” button inside it. Then, confirm that you’re completing the application for yourself.

2. Log in to Your Social Security Account

At this point, you’ll need to log in to your Social Security account. If you don’t have it, you’ll need to create one. To complete this process, you’ll need your Social Security number and driver’s license.

To verify your identity, you can either chat with an agent or submit pictures of your driver’s license. The latter method also involves creating a digital “selfie” to confirm your identity.

If you find this process overwhelming, you can apply in person. To do so, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Once you’re done, log in to your Social Security account.

3. Provide Key Information

Now you’ll need to enter some personal information. This includes your name, date of birth, gender, and so on. On the next screen, choose if you want to apply for monthly retirement benefits.

Finally, you’ll need to choose whether you want to apply for Medicare Part B. If you are (or were) employed, you’ll enter the employee start and end date. If you have other insurance, provide information on that as well.

4. Finish the Process

At this point, all that’s left is to sign the application. However, once you do that, you will no longer be able to modify it. Before clicking “Submit Now,” go through the application again to ensure it’s all in order.

That’s it! In about two weeks, you should receive a “Welcome to Medicare” package that will contain your Medicare card. If you lose it, don’t worry — you can always get a replacement.

Enroll in Medicare Today!

As long as you’re patient enough, applying for Medicare isn’t that complicated of a process. Instead of Googling “How do I enroll in Medicare?” again, use this guide as your main point of research!

Are you looking for professional Medicare application help? Our trusted health insurance agents at Midwest Health Insurance Solutions are here for you! Contact us here to enroll now — we’ll answer in English or Spanish!