How to enroll in Medicare
Enrolling in Medicare is easy once you understand how to do so. It's important to know that how you enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B is different from how you enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D or Medicare Supplement insurance.
Note: Medicare Advantage plans may not be available in all states/territories.
See the table below for a quick overview of how to enroll in a Medicare or Medigap plan and read on for how-to steps for Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage, Prescription drug and Medigap plans.
| Original Medicare (Parts A and B) | Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan | Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plan | Medicare Supplement insurance plan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How to enroll | Enroll in Original Medicare online at the Social Security website or by calling or visiting your local Social Security office. |
Enroll directly in the plan; e.g., on the plan’s website or Medicare.gov . |
Enroll directly in the plan; e.g., on the plan’s website or Medicare.gov . |
Apply directly for the plan; e.g., on the plan’s website. |
How to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B
Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Some people are not.
You'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if:
- You're receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65; or
- You're eligible for Medicare because of a disability or medical condition.
You must enroll yourself in Medicare Part A and B if:
- You're not receiving Social Security benefits when you become eligible for Medicare.
How to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B yourself
There are three ways to enroll yourself in Medicare Part A and Part B:
- Online at www.SocialSecurity.gov
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7a.m. to 7p.m.
- In person at your local Social Security office
After you enroll, watch for your Medicare card in the mail in about three weeks.
How to enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Part D plans
Both Medicare Advantage (Part C) and prescription drug (Part D) plans are only offered by private insurance companies. To enroll in either, you will have to enroll directly with the plan insurance provider — usually you can do this on the phone, with an agent or online.
How to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
- Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B first
- Find insurance providers who offer Medicare Advantage plans in your area
- Learn more about the plans available in your area by exploring them online or calling the provider directly
- Find the plan that has the health care benefits you want and enroll with the plan provider — via phone, online or with an agent
View Medicare Advantage plans
How to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan
- Enroll in either Part A or Part B first. (You don't have to have both to get Part D)
- Find insurance providers that sell Part D plans in your area
- Learn more about the plans available in your area by exploring them online or calling the provider directly
- Find the plan that has the health care benefits you want and enroll with the plan provider — via phone, online or with an agent
How to enroll in Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) plans
Before we talk about how to enroll in a Medicare Supplement insurance plan, we need to look at when first.
The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period
- It begins the first day of the month in which you're both age 65 or older and enrolled in Part B
- It lasts for 6 months
- During this time, you're guaranteed the right to buy a plan and cannot be denied coverage based on pre-existing health conditions
You can apply other times as well, but your health history matters.
Medigap plans are unique in that you can technically apply for one at any time during the year. However, you could be denied coverage or charged a higher premium based on your health history. In most states, you are only guaranteed the right to buy a plan without denial during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, or if you have a Guaranteed Issue situation. (This does not apply to residents of New York and Connecticut where Open Enrollment and Guaranteed Issue is ongoing and Medicare Supplement plans are guaranteed available.)
Steps for applying for a Medigap plan
Medigap plans are offered by private insurance companies, and you’ll have to apply directly with the insurance plan provider. Below are some helpful steps for applying for a Medigap plan.
- Look at each Medigap policy and decide which one best fits your health care needs
- Find out which insurance companies sell Medigap plans in your state and if they sell the type of policy you want
- Call the company or go online to learn more about the plans available and benefits offered
- Pick the Medigap plan you want and apply directly with the provider on the phone, online or with the help of an agent
View Medicare Supplement insurance plans
How do I change my Medicare coverage?
Your Medicare choices are not set in stone after the first time you enroll. You can make changes to your Medicare coverage during a few special Medicare enrollment periods.
- The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), October 15 to December 7
- The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), January 1 to March 31
- The Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for qualifying life events; dates vary based on qualifying event
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UnitedHealthcare pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, brokers or producers.
AARP encourages you to consider your needs when selecting products and does not make product recommendations for individuals.
Please note that each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products.
AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
AARP endorses the AARP Medicare Supplement Plans insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, 185 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT 06103 (available in all states/territories except ND, NY) or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of America, 1600 McConnor Parkway, Floor 2, Schaumburg, IL 60173 (available in AR, AZ, IL, IN, KS, MS, NC, ND, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, WY) or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York 2950 Expressway Drive South, Suite 240, Islandia, NY 11749 (for NY residents). Policy Form No. GRP 79171 GPS-1 (G-36000-4).
In some states, plans may be available to persons under age 65 who are eligible for Medicare by reason of disability or End-Stage Renal Disease.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you.
You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan. If you are not a member, you can join AARP for just $16.00 a year.
THESE PLANS HAVE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS. FOR COSTS AND COMPLETE DETAILS (INCLUDING OUTLINES OF COVERAGE), CALL A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT/PRODUCER AT THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER ABOVE.
Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare prescription drug plans
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare. You do not need to be an AARP member to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Prescription Drug plan.
This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year.
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