Michael T Braden August 28, 2024
HOW TO APPLY FOR MEDICARE WITHOUT GOING TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE
Most Americans do not realize that you apply for your Medicare Card, through the Social Security website. Then, once you have received your card, all of your Medicare questions and inquiries will go through the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov, or by calling Medicare 24/7 at 1-800-MEDICARE.
This is the easiest and best way to apply for Medicare. You simply do it online using the SSA website at www.ssa.gov. It is easy, straightforward and only takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Look for the Blue Tab that says Apply for Medicare Only. You will want to apply for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Plan ahead, you will want to have filled out a CMS Form 40B and, if you are still working, complete a CMS Form L564 from your Employer. There will be a point where you can upload those completed forms from your computer into your Medicare Application on the www.ssa.gov website.
AFTER YOU HAVE COMPLETED ENROLLING IN MEDICARE
Once you receive confirmation from the Social Security Administration website that your application was completed, you are done. Then, in about 3-4 weeks you will receive a letter in the mail from the Social Security Administration informing you that your Medicare Enrollment has been approved and that you will be receiving your Red, White, and Blue Medicare Card in about two weeks.
Once you recoeve your card, you should contact your Broker or Agent and then they can start working with you to apply for the Medicare plan that fits you, your needs, and your lifestyle the best.
Note: You cannot apply for any Medicare Plan unless you have your Medicare Card. Your Medicare Card has your name, your Medicare Beneficiary Number and teh Effective Date for both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
HERE IS WHAT YOUR MEDICARE CARD WILL LOOK LIKE
If you ever get stuck in the process, contact your Broker. You can still have them FAX your completed Application form faxed to the Social Security Office. This process takes 1-2 weeks longer than doing it online using the SSA website.