To get Medicare, you first need to be eligible. If you are 65 years or older and a citizen or legal resident of the United States, you are likely eligible. You can also qualify if you are under 65 but have certain disabilities or have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
To enroll in Medicare, follow these steps:
1. Sign up for Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Your IEP starts three months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after you turn 65. If you don't sign up during your IEP, you may have to pay higher premiums.
2. If you have health insurance through your or your spouse's employer, you may want to delay enrolling in Part B to avoid paying higher premiums. However, you should still sign up for Part A, as it is usually free.
3. To enroll, you can either apply online at the Social Security Administration (SSA) website (www.ssa.gov), call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office.
4. You will need to provide some personal information, such as your Social Security number, birthdate, and proof of citizenship or residency status.
5. Once you've enrolled in Part A and/or Part B, you can then choose additional coverage options, such as Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) or Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).
6. Keep in mind that you may need to pay monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments for your Medicare coverage.
Remember to review your coverage options and make sure you understand the costs associated with each plan. It's important to choose the coverage that best fits your needs and budget. For more information, visit the official Medicare website (www.medicare.gov) or consult with a licensed insurance agent.