Signing up and deadlines
How do I sign up for Medicare?
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This helps match you with options you’re eligible for.
Do you have Medicare Parts A & B?
This affects which Medicare options you can choose.
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Short answer
You sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, online at ssa.gov, by phone or at a local Social Security office; railroad workers sign up through the Railroad Retirement Board.
If you already get Social Security benefits, you're enrolled automatically and your Medicare card arrives about 3 months before your 65th birthday.
After Parts A and B, you choose how to get the rest of your coverage: a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Part D drug plan with an optional Medigap policy, compared on Medicare.gov's Plan Finder.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Parts A and B | Social Security: ssa.gov, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or a local office | Social Security |
| Railroad workers | Railroad Retirement Board: 1-877-772-5772 | Medicare.gov |
| Signing up for Part B later (work coverage ended) | Forms CMS-40B and CMS-L564, online or by mail | Medicare.gov |
| Medicare Advantage and Part D plans | Medicare.gov's Plan Finder, 1-800-MEDICARE, or the plan | Medicare.gov |
| Medigap policies | Directly from an insurance company licensed in your state | Medicare.gov |
Step 1: Am I already enrolled?
If you've been getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for at least 4 months before you turn 65, you're enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. Your Medicare card comes in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday; you don't need to do anything unless you want to decline Part B.
Step 2: How do I sign up for Parts A and B?
If you aren't enrolled automatically, apply with Social Security at ssa.gov (the online application doesn't require a visit), by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or at your local Social Security office. Sign up during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to avoid a gap in coverage and a penalty; see When should I sign up for Medicare?
Step 3: How do I sign up for Part B after my job coverage ends?
If you delayed Part B because you had coverage from current work, you'll use a Special Enrollment Period. Fill out form CMS-40B (the Part B application) and have your employer complete form CMS-L564 (proof of coverage), then submit both to Social Security online, by fax or by mail within 8 months after the job or the coverage ends.
Step 4: How do I choose the rest of my coverage?
With Parts A and B in place you decide between two paths. Original Medicare lets you add a stand-alone Part D drug plan and, if you want help with Medicare's 20% coinsurance, a Medigap policy. A Medicare Advantage plan replaces Original Medicare's way of paying for care and usually includes drug coverage. Compare the two, then compare plans in your ZIP code on the Medicare Plan Finder or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Step 5: What should I do when my card arrives?
Check the name and dates, sign it, and keep it safe: your Medicare Number is used to bill Medicare and should be guarded like a credit card number. Medicare cards are free. If you lose yours, you can print a replacement from your Medicare.gov account or your Social Security account, or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Good to know
More questions people ask
Do I sign up for Medicare on Medicare.gov?
Can I sign up for only Part A?
Is there a fee to sign up for Medicare or get a Medicare card?
Who can help me sign up?
Related questions
In depth
- Medicare.gov: How do I sign up for Medicare?
- Medicare.gov: Ready to sign up for Part A and Part B?
- Social Security: Medicare
- Medicare.gov: Your Medicare card
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.