How to Sign Up for Original Medicare
Because getting started should feel simple—not stressful.
Step 1: Check if You’ll Be Enrolled Automatically
If you’re already collecting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, good news—you’ll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A & B) when you turn 65.
You’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday. That card confirms your enrollment in both Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (doctor coverage).
Step 2: Sign Up Yourself (If You’re Not Enrolled Automatically)
If you’re not yet collecting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’ll need to apply for Medicare yourself.
You can sign up with the Social Security Administration (SSA):
- Online: ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
- By phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m
After your application is approved (usually within 30 days), you’ll receive your Medicare Health Insurance card in the mail.
You can also check your application status anytime online in your My Social Security account.
If your card doesn’t arrive, visit Medicare.gov/account/login and check your enrollment under “My Medicare.”
Step 3: If You’re Past 65
If you’re still working or have employer-provided coverage, your next step depends on whether that insurance counts as creditable coverage (coverage that’s as good as Medicare).
If you have creditable employer coverage
You can delay signing up for Medicare until your job-based insurance ends.
When that happens, you’ll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Medicare without penalties.
To stay on track:
- Contact the Social Security Administration within 60 days of your employer coverage ending.
- Start your Medicare application during that time to avoid late enrollment penalties.
If you don’t have creditable coverage
You’ll need to contact Social Security as soon as possible to start your Medicare application.
Depending on your situation, you may:
- Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and enroll immediately, or
- Need to wait for the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 - Mar 31), with coverage starting the following month.
Step 4: If You Receive a Late Enrollment Penalty
If you’re charged a late enrollment penalty, you’ll receive a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining the reason and the amount.
That letter includes a Reconsideration Request Form you can use to appeal.
Submit the form within 60 days, and include any proof (like prior insurance records) that supports your case.
Your penalty may be reduced or removed if your appeal is approved.
Step 5: Verify Your Coverage
Once enrolled, your red, white, and blue Medicare card is your proof of coverage.
Keep it handy—you’ll need it when booking appointments or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medigap plan later.
Need Help?
Not everyone qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period.
You can confirm your eligibility or get personalized help by calling:
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Find your local office at shiphelp.org
Keep Exploring
Still working or planning to? Learn how your employer coverage and Medicare work together—and when it makes sense to enroll if you’re working past 65.
👉 Read: Working Past 65? Here’s How it Affects Your Medicare Enrollment
RO4982506
We work with multiple Medicare plan carriers including:
- Aetna Inc.
- Devoted Health, Inc.
- Humana Inc.
- Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company
Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or you are in your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period. Enrollment depends on plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.
Your privacy is important to us. We won't share your contact information with anyone. By providing your email address, you agree that a sales representative may contact you and consent to receiving marketing messages. No obligation.
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are insured by a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment depends on plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 4 organizations which offer 1056 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.
Not all carriers offer these benefits. Plans vary by region and state. Limitations and exclusions may apply.
Every year, Medicare evaluates Medicare Advantage and Part D plans based on a 5-star rating system.
Estimated annual costs are based on the usage you provided + yearly premiums. Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plan calculations include the standard Part B premium + any Part B premium reductions. Actual annual costs depend on your usage, along with your Part B premium and the date you enroll.
Medicare Supplement insurance is generally available to individuals age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Availability for beneficiaries under age 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability or End Stage Renal Disease varies by state. Benefits, eligibility, and premiums may vary by state.
Jellyvision does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Calling this number will direct you to a licensed insurance agent. No obligation to enroll.
The Jellyvision Lab, Inc. All rights reserved. Jellyvision is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government entity. This is an advertisement for insurance.