How to Sign Up for Medicare

Medicare is a federal program that provides health care for adults 65 years of age and older. Medicare benefits are also offered to citizens with some specific medical conditions. If you are eligible for the program, it can greatly reduce your out of pocket health care costs. If you qualify, you'll want to make sure that you are properly enrolled. You will also want to take several steps to make sure that you fully understand your benefits.

Method 1 - Enrolling for Medicare

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→ Find out if you are eligible. American citizens who are 65 years of age and older are generally eligible for Medicare. You also need to have lived in the United States for at least five calendar years prior to receiving benefits. You also need to have been employed for 10 years in a workplace that was covered by Medicare. If you are not sure if that's you, you can contact your employer to ask.

→ If you meet the above criteria, you likely will not have to do anything to receive your coverage. Typically, a Medicare card will be mailed to you prior to your birthday.

→ You may qualify for Medicare if you are under 65 but have specific medical ailments. If you have End Stage Renal Disease, you qualify. You are also eligible if you have received Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) for more than 24 months. If you suffer from ALS, you can receive Medicare after only one month of SSDI.

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→ Learn about Parts A, B, C, and D. There are several different parts to Medicare insurance. Part A is basic hospital coverage, and this is what adults 65 and older will automatically be enrolled in. Part B is more comprehensive medical coverage, and you may have to enroll in this plan. It is optional, and you do not have to participate.

→ If you are a former railroad employee and are receiving benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, you will automatically be enrolled in Parts A and B.

→ If you are permanently disabled or have ALS, you automatically get Parts A and B.

→ Part C is called the Medicare Advantage Plan and is more comprehensive than Parts A and B. This is optional, but you must be enrolled in Medicare to enroll in Part C coverage. It is available through private insurance companies.

→ Part D is also provided through private insurance companies. Like Part C, it is optional. Part D covers prescription medications.

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→ Contact the Social Security Office. Once you have determined your eligibility, it is time to make sure that you are enrolled in Medicare. The Social Security Office handles Medicare enrollments. The easiest way to have your information processed is to use the online form provided by the Social Security Office. No documentation is required, and it should take you less than 10 minutes to apply.

→ If the Social Security Office needs further information, they will contact you. Otherwise, you can expect to receive your Medicare card in the mail.

→ If you do not want to enroll online, you can visit your local Social Security Office or call them to make an appointment with a Social Security representative.

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→ Updating your plan. Although most people will automatically be enrolled, some might have to sign up for Medicare. If you are not receiving Social Security benefits (for example, because you are still working), you will need to sign up for Parts A and B. Also, if you live in Puerto Rico and want Part B, you will need to enroll.

→ To update your plan, enroll, or make any changes, you can contact your local Social Security Office or use the online forms.

Method 2 - Making the Most of Your Benefits

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→ Know what is covered. Before you agree to any medical procedures (such as scans or lab work), check to see if your treatment will be covered by your Medicare plan. Each Part offers different coverage, so it is important that you read about what your particular plan offers.You should also check to make sure that your doctor's office accepts Medicare--most do.

→ You can find out whether a specific treatment is covered by reading the provided material. You can get this at the Social Security Office or online when you enroll.

→ There should be someone at the doctor's office or hospital who is familiar with Medicare. Ask to speak to that person, and they should be able to tell you whether or not what you need done will be covered.

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→ Follow current events. Since Medicare is a program of the federal government, it is subjective to changes. Sometimes legislation can affect things like coverage and premiums. Make sure to stay current on the news relating to health care.

→ If you think there has been legislation that may affect you, you can ask your insurance provider or the Social Security Office for more information.

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→ Consult your doctor. Your doctor (and his support staff) are one of the most important health care resources that you have. Talk to him about any concerns you may have. For example, if he recommends a procedure that is not covered by Medicare, find out if this is an essential medical necessity.

→ Medicare does not dictate that you only see one doctor. You should feel free to get a second opinion if you are not comfortable with the options being provided.

Method 3 - Understanding Medicare

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→ Learn the history. Medicare is a pretty complex program. When you're trying to understand how it impacts you, it can be useful to learn about the history of the program. Medicare was implemented in 1965, due to a concern that the elderly had no other way to receive affordable health care.

→ As priorities and the economy shifts, benefits have been added and taken away. This is why it is a good idea to stay current on legislation that could affect the program.

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→ Know why it is important. Many people of retirement age do not have much flexibility in their income. Unfortunately, this is also the time of life when more medical problems start to occur. Millions of Americans rely on Medicare to receive basic health care. Without the programs, a large percentage of Americans would be without any type of health insurance.