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.
NOTE-1: Use this guide for Step (3) ... apply for Medicare Pages-3 through 7
NOTE-2: Sign up for SSA account as it will be needed for Step (3).
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).
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.
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 (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).
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.