How To: Enroll in Medicare

Nov. 1, 2020 // Vicki Madigan

You can sign up for Medicare in-person or online. Enrollment periods vary. If you are enrolling for the first time, you can sign up during the annual enrollment period Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, or you can sign up 3 months prior or 3 months after your 65th birthday. The annual enrollment period can also be utlizied if you’d like to switch plans.

Online Enrollment:

The online application can be found in a few quick clicks. Follow the steps below and/or watch the video we made showing how to get your application started. Make sure to save your username and password in a secure place, as you will need them later.

• In your internet browser type: www.ssa.gov

• At the top of the website, click the section that says “MENU”

• A drop down menu will pop up. Click the section that says “Medicare”

• Scroll down the Medicare page and find the blue button that says “Apply for Medicare Only”

• You will be redirected to a page that’s titled “Apply for Benefits”

• Read the “Privacy Agreement”

• Click the small white box next to “I understand and agree to the above statements”

• Click “Next”

• You are now on the page where you’ll begin with your application. Please proceed.

We’ve included a 1-minute video so you can view the steps in action.

In-Person Enrollment:

If you prefer in-person enrollment, you can go to your local Social Security Office. Locations can be found here by your zip code: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/. Please note, there may be in-person restrictions due to COVID-19. Some offices are requiring sign up online.

Of course, we understand this can be confusing. If you have any questions, ask us, the experts! We’re here to help guide you.