When do I enroll in Original Medicare?

If you’re close to turning 65, find out when you’re eligible for Social Security benefits. Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. For TTY, call 1-800-325-0778.

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I’m 65 (or older) and receive Social Security benefits or any age and disabled

  • You’re automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B.
  • Your Part B premiums will be deducted from your Social Security benefit checks.
  • You should have received a Medicare Initial Enrollment Period1 packet three months before your 65th birthday.
  • You’re eligible to enroll in Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (prescription drugs).
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I’m 65 and don’t receive Social Security benefits

  • You’re eligible for Medicare.
  • You’ll need to contact the Social Security Administration to enroll in Medicare. They won’t send you a reminder.
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I’m 65 and enrolled in Medicare

You’ll receive:
  • An award letter from the Social Security Administration that allows you to enroll in Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Part D (prescription drugs).
  • A Medicare Initial Enrollment Period1 packet.
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I’m 65 and still working

  • You’re eligible for Medicare. However, you may not have to enroll in a Medicare plan if you have creditable coverage through your employer.*
  • Contact the Social Security Administration before you retire.
  • Talk to your employer about your health plan options before you retire. Depending on the size of your employer, you may be eligible for COBRA to make sure you have continuous coverage during your transition to retirement.

* Health plan benefits that are equal or greater than Medicare. Doesn’t include COBRA, a retiree health plan, and a health plan from an employer with less than 20 employees.