How to Get Onto Medicare Part A and Part B

Turning 65 is a big milestone, and one of the most important things you’ll do around this time is getting set up with Medicare. For many people, that means enrolling in Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). I am going to walk you through exactly how it works, what to expect, and what you need to do.

Step 1: Understand the Basics

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home health care.

• Part B (Medical Insurance): Helps cover doctor visits, preventive care, outpatient services, durable medical equipment, and more.

Together, Parts A and B are known as Original Medicare and will reduce your bill at the hospital and doctors office by having a maximum billable amount through Medicare (80% discount).

Step 2: Know If You’ll Be Automatically Enrolled

Some people don’t have to do anything. Medicare will enroll them automatically. This happens if:

• You’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits at least 4 months before turning 65.

• You’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday.

If this applies to you, all you need to do is check your card for accuracy. If you don’t want Part B (because you’re still working and are covered by employer insurance), you’ll need to actively decline it.

Step 3: Sign Up If You’re Not Automatically Enrolled

If you’re not already taking Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you’ll need to apply for Medicare yourself. Here’s how:

1. Online – Go to ssa.gov/medicare and apply in about 10–15 minutes.

2. By Phone – Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

3. In Person – Visit your local Social Security office.

You’ll need some personal information (like your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and possibly tax forms).

Step 4: Remember the Enrollment Timeline

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is your first chance to sign up. It lasts 7 months—starting 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and ending 3 months after.

• Late Enrollment Penalties: If you miss this window and don’t have "Credible Coverage" (like from an employer), you may pay penalties for life (LEP).

If you’re still working and covered by your employer’s group health plan (or your spouse’s), you can delay Part B without penalty. When that coverage ends, you’ll have a Special Enrollment Period to sign up (go back to step 3).

Step 5: Know the Costs

• Part A: Usually free if you (or your spouse) worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years). If not, there may be a monthly premium.

• Part B: Has a standard monthly premium (most people pay this directly out of their Social Security check once they start collecting benefits). High-income earners may pay more. This is known as IRMAA and changes yearly

Step 6: Watch for Your Medicare Card

Once you’re enrolled, Medicare will mail you a red, white, and blue card. Keep it in a safe place. You will need it whenever you see a doctor or receive services.

Step 7: Decide If You Need More Than Original Medicare

Enrolling in Part A and Part B is just the beginning. From there, you can:

• Stay with Original Medicare and add a Part D (drug plan) and/or a Medigap (supplemental insurance) policy.

• Or choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which bundles your hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage into one plan with other benefits like dental, vision, or hearing.

That’s a bigger topic to discuss with an agent (wink wink) but it’s worth planning for once you have Parts A and B.

Final Tips

• Mark your calendar for your Initial Enrollment Period so you don’t miss it.

• If you’re still working at 65, talk to your employer’s benefits department before making decisions.

• Always keep copies of your paperwork and confirmation numbers.

REMEMBER: Getting onto Medicare Part A and B can be simple if you know the steps. If you’re already getting Social Security, it usually happens automatically. If not, you’ll need to sign up through Social Security during your 7-month enrollment window. Don’t delay missing deadlines can cost you more in the long run.