Apply for Medicare

Once you’re eligible, the only obstacle left is the enrollment process. Fortunately, there is more than just one way to apply for Medicare. It’s easier than it seems at first glance. But it is important to know the eligibility criteria, enrollment periods, and how each enrollment method works before signing up.

Who Can Get Medicare?

You are eligible for Medicare if you are in one of these groups:

Being 65 or older
Receiving disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months if you are under 65

Who Does Not Need To Sign Up?

Not everyone who qualifies for Medicare needs to apply. Certain individuals get it automatically.

Individuals who receive benefits through Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board are automatically enrolled within the few months leading up to their 65th birthday.

For those receiving disability benefits, automatic enrollment occurs after getting disability benefits for 24 consecutive months. This is independent of age.

If you’re under 65 and have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), you’re enrolled the month your disability benefits begin.

If you’re under 65 and you’ve been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you’ll be able to get Medicare, but you will need to sign up. When your coverage starts depends on whether you are getting a transplant or on dialysis.

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When Can I Sign Up?

If you do not meet the criteria for automatic enrollment, you’ll need to sign up manually. For first-time enrollment, you can enroll during the following enrollment periods:

Initial Enrollment Period – three months before turning 65 to three months after turning 65
General Enrollment Period – January 1 to March 31

How Do I Enroll?

You can enroll in Medicare in these ways:

Online
Phone
Office Visit

If enrolling online, you will be able to go through the application process at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/, and it presents you with different enrollment options depending on which Medicare plan you’d like to get. Here, you’ll be able to enroll at your own pace. It can be done within minutes. It saves your progress, so if you decide to exit the screen, you can return and complete the application at a later time.

You can contact Social Security via phone at 1-800-772-1213, or 1-800-325-0778 if you’re a TTY user. Another route is through contacting your local Social Security office.

If contacting your local Social Security office, you can also schedule an in-person appointment.

We Make Medicare Easy

At ReLion Insurance Solutions, you do not have to be alone. If you have any questions, we’re a phone call away. We are here to provide the guidance you need so that not only will your enrollment be fast and easy, but you will get the best Medicare plan for the lowest price. Contact us today by calling 858-999-2858.