Instructions on applying for Medicare ONLY. If you are applying or already receiving 

SSA (Social Security Administration) benefits, then enrollment to Medicare Part-A and

Part-B is automatic (in most cases). Part-C, D, etc is discussed in Step-6:

There is no guarantee of accuracy in the instructions. 

All links will open in a separate tab on the web browser.

Steps (1), (2) and (3) needs to be done first in Step Number order. 

Steps (4), (5a) and (6) can be done after you receive your Medicare Card or Number.

Step (1)       Medicare for DUMMIES - Un-Official Guide (Word Doc)

                    NOTE-1: Use this guide for Step (3) ... apply for Medicare Pages-3 through 7

Step (2)       Social Security Account - www.ssa.gov/myaccount 

                    NOTE-2: Sign up for SSA account as it will be needed for Step (3).

Step (3)       Apply for Medicare - www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare

                    NOTE-3: Can take 2 to 4 weeks to receive your Medicare Card through the mail.

                    NOTE-4: Part-A and Part-B is Government (i.e., SSA / Medicare).

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Step (4)       Medicare Account - www.medicare.gov (optional, but highly recommended)

                    for replacement cards, bill payments, update medication/drugs, view claims, etc.

                    NOTE-5: You will need your Medicare Number to create an account. A confirmation email will be

                    sent to you shortly after Step (3) is complete which includes your Medicare Number or just wait for the 

                    Medicare Card through the USPS mail.

Step (5a)     Social Security Administration (SSA) Form-44 - Reduction in Income (PDF Form).

                    NOTE-6: If SSA used a previous year (IRS-1040) to calculate your Part-B Medicare cost, and 

                    you subsequently had a significant reduction in income (i.e., retirement), then you may want to 

                    submit SSA Form-44 to Medicare to reduce your Part-B monthly costs. See Step (5b) for more info.

Step (5b)     Information on SSA Form-44 - optional, please read.

Step (6)       Submit Medicare Insurance Part-C (Dental, Vision, Hearing) and Part-D (Prescription Drugs).

                    NOTE-7: Part-C, D, etc are through insurance ... Blue Cross, Humana, AARP, Cigna, etc.

                    NOTE-8: You can apply for Part-C, D ... etc. at anytime after receiving your Medicare Card, however 

                    it is highly recommended that you get this step completed prior to the 1st of your birth month 

                    (i.e., If you are born November 20th, then November 1st).

                    Medicare Advantage Plans in Orange County, CA (example web sites below, not inclusive):

                    (6a)  www.retiree.aon.com

                    (6b)  www.medicarehelp.org

                    (6c)  www.anthem.com

                    NOTE-9: You can change your Part-C, D ... etc. during the yearly open-enrollment around late  

                    October through early November.

Step (7)       Congratulations, you are enrolled into Medicare!

                    NOTE-10: Medicare may require a health check through your primary care physician within 6 months 

                    of signing up with Medicare.