Medicare Sign Up

For individuals approaching retirement age, the prospect of Medicare sign up can be intimidating. Fortunately, the process is usually quite simple, and does not require an excessive amount of paperwork or stress. In some cases, Medicare sign up is not required at all; for those who are already receiving Social Security payments or Railroad Retirement plan benefits, Medicare enrollment is automatic as soon as the individual reaches the age of 65, and is effective the first day of the month of the applicant’s birthday. In cases where the Medicare recipient has a birthday on the first day of the month, the coverage takes effect on the first day of the previous month.

At the time of initial Medicare sign up, individuals will have the option of enrolling in optional Medicare plans. For individuals who have at least forty quarters of creditable employment, Medicare Part A hospital coverage requires no monthly premium payment; those who have not accumulated sufficient creditable time will be required to make monthly payments in order to receive Medicare Part A. Medicare Part B coverage, which provides benefits for regular doctor visits and routine care, requires a premium payment by most enrollees. Additionally, for those who do not enroll in Part B coverage during initial Medicare sign up, the premiums for Part B benefits will increase by 10% for each full year that the individual does not elect this coverage. This increase will persist throughout the duration of Part B coverage, so it is usually advisable to enroll in Part B during the initial Medicare sign up period.

Most individuals who are not automatically enrolled in Medicare should contact their local Social Security office at least three months in advance of their 65th birthday in order to ensure that coverage begins on time. Initial Medicare sign up can be accomplished by telephone or in person. Online sign up is available for those who are applying for both Social Security and Medicare simultaneously and who meet certain requirements; for example, online applicants must be at least 61 years and nine months old and must reside in the United States.