While Medicare enrollment may be automatic for some people, others will need to enroll in the program once they become eligible, which is usually during their Initial Enrollment Period. But, what exactly are the ways you can apply for Medicare, and what different enrollment periods might you encounter?

How to Apply

There are several ways in which you can apply for Medicare, which can include applying over the phone, online, or in person. At Eldridge Agency, we always recommend applying in the way that you feel the most comfortable, but we’re also here to help walk you through the process and make sure you are aware of all your options!

To apply online, you can visit the Social Security Administration website. They have an online retirement application you can fill out three months before you turn 65. If you’re not ready to sign up for Social Security benefits just yet, you can always fill out that part of the application at a later time and just sign up for Medicare benefits. Applying for Medicare online is generally the easiest and quickest way as it only takes about ten minutes. 

If you’re not comfortable applying online but you would rather not have to worry about going to a Social Security office, you can apply over the phone by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 on Monday through Friday. They can schedule a phone interview at a date and time that is convenient for you so you can give them all the information they need.

Now, if you would much rather just do the applying process in person, you can certainly do that too! You can apply at your local Social Security office by scheduling an appointment with them. We recommend scheduling an appointment with them if you go this route to apply because if there’s a long line or wait time, you will at least be guaranteed your appointment. 

Enrollment Periods

For most people, their first enrollment period is around their 65th birthday, which is known as your Initial Enrollment Period. It starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. During this period, you can enroll in Medicare without facing any late enrollment penalties, but delaying your enrollment past this period may lead to late enrollment penalties, especially if you do not have current creditable coverage such as a group health plan. Now, if you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare, you won’t have to worry about manually enrolling during this period.

You can also enroll in Medicare during the General Enrollment Period if you delayed your enrollment past your Initial Enrollment Period. It starts from January 1 through March 31, but you could face late enrollment penalties and your coverage won’t start until July 1.

Under some circumstances, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period which will help you avoid late enrollment penalties. For example, you can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you delayed your Medicare enrollment because you had a group health plan.

At Eldridge Agency, we provide you with all the information you need to make the best decisions on your Medicare coverage. If you want to learn more about enrolling in Medicare, contact us today and we will walk you through the enrollment process!