How To Apply For Medicare Without Going To The Social Security Office

Michael T. Braden, August 28, 2024, Applying For Medicare

How To Apply For Medicare Without Going To The Social Security Office.

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. Once you receive your card, all your Medicare questions can be answered on 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 can do it online at www.ssa.gov. It is easy and straightforward, and only takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Look for the Blue Tab labeled "Apply for Medicare Only." You will want to apply for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

Plan: you will want to have completed a CMS Form 40B and, if you are still working, to have completed a CMS Form L564 from your Employer. There will be a point at which you can upload the completed forms from your computer to your Medicare Application on the www.ssa.gov website.

HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR MEDICARE ONLINE AND NEVER HAVE TO GO TO THE SSA OFFICE

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 receive your card, contact your Broker or Agent, who can help you apply for the Medicare plan that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

Note: You cannot apply for any Medicare Plan unless you have your Medicare Card. Your Medicare Card includes your name, your Medicare Beneficiary Number, and the Effective Date for both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

HERE IS WHAT YOUR MEDICARE CARD WILL LOOK LIKE

UNDERSTANDING YOUR MEDICARE CARD

If you ever get stuck in the process, contact your Broker. You can still have them FAX your completed Application form to the Social Security Office. This process takes 1-2 weeks longer than doing it online using the SSA website.

HOW TO GET SIGNED UP FOR MEDICARE