Contact Social Security to sign up for Medicare. You can either: Sign up for just Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) . Apply to get benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board). You’ll get Part A automatically once you start getting benefits. You’ll choose if you want Part B when you apply for ...

You’ll create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for Social Security benefits online. You can only sign up for Part B (or Part A if you have to pay a premium for it) at certain times.

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Get help from your state paying your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) premiums through a Medicare Savings Program. If you qualify, Medicare Savings Programs might also pay your Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You’ll apply for Medicare Savings Programs through your state.

Getting Medicare is your choice. If you want Medicare, sign up when you’re first eligible for: Part A (Hospital Insurance) Part B (Medical Insurance) Because you may have to pay a premium for Part A, you can choose to stay with your Marketplace coverage or sign up for Medicare. Compare your options to see which one is better for you.

Go to SSA.gov to apply for Medicare online. Apply Online. If you already have Part A, fill out form CMS 40B to sign up for Part B. Send the completed form to your local Social Security office by fax or mail. Have TRICARE: Starts: When Social Security notifies you. Ends: 12 months later.

You’ll need the information on your Medicare card to join a Medicare health or drug plan or buy Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), so keep your Medicare card in a safe place. If you have Original Medicare : Carry your Medicare card with you when you’re away from home.

Most people get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) when first eligible (usually when turning 65). Answer a few questions to check when and how to sign up based on your personal situation. Learn about Part A and Part B sign up periods and when coverage starts.

There are programs run by the states that can help lower your Medicare costs. Find out if you’re eligible for these programs, how to apply, and other ways to save on your Medicare coverage.

While Social Security is processing your Medicare application, you can learn about important deadlines and choices you need to make. Your next steps depend on what you signed up for. Choose the parts of Medicare you signed up for to get your options.