Medicare Cards

To sign up for Medicare Parts A and B and receive your Medicare card, you need to follow these steps based on your eligibility and enrollment circumstances:

1. Determine Your Eligibility

  • Age 65: Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65.
  • Disability: If you’re under 65 and have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, you’re eligible.
  • Specific Conditions: If you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), you may qualify at any age.

2. Enrollment Periods

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A 7-month period starting three months before the month you turn 65, including your birth month, and ending three months after your birth month.
  • Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you’re still working and covered by a group health plan, or under other special circumstances.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 to March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1 (late penalties may apply).

3. Automatic Enrollment

If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B:

  • Notification: You will receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability benefits.
  • Coverage Start Date: Your Medicare coverage will begin the first day of the month you turn 65 (or the 25th month of disability benefits).

4. Manual Enrollment

If you need to sign up manually, you can do so online, by phone, or in person:

Online Enrollment

  1. Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) Website:
  2. Complete the Online Application:
    • Follow the instructions to fill out and submit the application for Medicare Parts A and B.

Phone Enrollment

  1. Call the Social Security Administration:
    • Dial 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778).
  2. Speak with a Representative:
    • They will guide you through the enrollment process and answer any questions.

In-Person Enrollment

  1. Visit Your Local Social Security Office:
  2. Apply for Medicare:
    • Speak with a representative who will help you complete your application.

5. Receiving Your Medicare Card

  • After your application is processed, you will receive your Medicare card by mail. This card will include your Medicare Number and the start dates for your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage.

6. Post-Enrollment Steps

  • Review Your Coverage: Make sure you understand what is covered under Parts A and B.
  • Consider Additional Coverage: Explore options for Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), or Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) if needed.

7. Additional Resources

  • Medicare.gov: The official U.S. government site for Medicare, providing comprehensive information and resources.
  • State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Offers free, personalized help.

By following these steps, you can successfully enroll in Medicare Parts A and B and receive your Medicare card. If you have any questions or need assistance, contacting the SSA directly or using available online resources will be helpful.