How to Apply for Medicare Benefits at Age 65
You can choose to start getting Medicare health insurance when you turn 65 even if you don't retire at that time. The Social Security Administration recommends you do so, and it will not affect the amount of your benefits when you do retire. Anyone who has worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years (lifetime total) is eligible. If you apply for Medicare benefits at age 65, the process is pretty much the same whether you are applying for full retirement benefits or just Medicare. You just indicate that you are asking for Medicare only.
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Things You'll Need
- Certified copy of birth certificate or naturalization papers
- Military discharge (if any)
- Previous year's W-2 form or federal tax return
Instructions
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Collect the documents you need to apply for Medicare at age 65. You must have your previous year's W-2 or a copy of your federal tax return, a certified copy of your birth certificate or proof of naturalization, and your military discharge (if any). If you do not have one or more of these documents, don't panic. Call Social Security at their toll-free number (see Step 2) and they will assist you in getting the documents you need. The Social Security Administration recommends you apply 3 months before you want your Medicare coverage to start, so if you need any documents you don't have, start the process of getting them as soon as possible.
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Make an appointment to apply in person for Medicare at age 65 by calling toll-free 1 (800) 772-1213. For hearing impaired, use the TTY number at 1 (800) 325-0778. An appointment is not mandatory, but is recommended to ensure someone is ready to personally handle your application. Bring the required documents with you. The Social Security Administration provides a list of all the questions you may be asked online (see link below) so you can be ready to answer their questions.
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Go online (see link to the online application under Resources, below) to apply if you don't wish to make an in-person application. You can also apply over the phone. Have a pencil and paper handy to write down addresses and other information if you choose to apply by phone.
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Mail the requested documents if you apply online or by phone (the address is on the application or will be provided by your phone contact). You can send a photocopy of your W-2 form or tax return. However, you must send the originals of your birth certificate or naturalization papers and military discharge (if you served in the armed forces). These documents will be returned to you.
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Tips & Warnings
In some cases, other family members may be eligible for Medicare as well. If you think a spouse or child may be eligible, check with Social Security. If you were disabled as an adult and are receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you should already be getting Medicare. Just contact the Social Security Administration to make sure your status is changed from receiving SSDI to getting regular Social Security/Medicare benefits. To get a copy of your birth certificate, contact the Office of Vital Records in the state where you were born.
