You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if you are already getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) starting the first day of the month you turn 65. If you’re under the age of 65 and disabled, you’ll automatically get Part A and Part B after you get disability benefits from Social Security.  If you’re automatically enrolled, you’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday or 25th month of disability benefits. If you elect to wait to get Part B, follow the instructions on the card and send it back.  If you have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you’ll have to contact Social Security to find out when and how to sign up for Medicare.

If you are turning 65, you can sign up for Part A and Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), a 7 month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, the 3 months after you turn 65 and the month you turn 65. If you didn’t sign up for Part A and Part B during the IEP, you can sign up between January 1 – March 31 each and your coverage will begin July 1st of that year. You may have to pay higher premiums for late enrollment.

You can apply to Medicare at the U.S. Social Security Administration by clicking here.