How to Apply for Medicare Benefits

MEdicare is a government sponsored program that provides health care to people over the age of 65. If you are intersted in applying for Medicare benefits, follow the simple steps below.

Instructions

1. To start off, you need to be sure that you are eligible to receive Medicare benefits. To be eligible you must be at least 65 years old or have a proveable disability. There are also requirements concerning your work history. To be eligible for medicare, you must have a total of at least 10 years of gainful employment. It is also necessary that the job you worked in had Medicare coverage.

2. Automatic Enrollment:

   Those who are under the age of 65 who are already receiving Social Security will be automatically enrolled in the Medicare program and will receive a Medicare card 3 months prior to turning 65.

3. Application:

   You can download the proper Medicare application on the main Medicare website (medicare.gov). You can also call the Medicare office and be mailed the proper forms by calling 800-722-1213. Alternatively, you can just go down to your local Social Security office and fill out a form there.

4. Required Documents:

   Before you head down to the Social Security office to turn in your application, you will need to be sure that you have the proper documents. You will need to bring in your birth certificate, driver's license, and Social Secuirty card.

5. Upon turning in your application, a case worker will talk to you and fill you in on everything you need to know.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need any help filling out the forms, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance.

• If you are disabled you will need to have your doctors information along with any hospital you have been to for your related injury/disability.