If you’re approaching age 65 or receiving disability benefits, you might be wondering how to sign up and apply for Medicare without missing out on important coverage.
In this guide, we will walk you through the Medicare enrollment process, explain key terms like Medicare premiums, and help you compare plans so you can make the best decision for your healthcare needs.
What Is Medicare and How Does It Work?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It primarily serves:
- People aged 65 and older
- Individuals under 65 with certain disabilities
- Those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
Unlike private insurance, Medicare is funded through Social Security payroll taxes, premiums, and general federal revenues. If you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you may qualify for premium-free Part A (hospital insurance).
Medicare Parts and Coverage
Medicare is divided into four parts, each offering different health insurance coverage:
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Medicare Part A, or hospital insurance, covers:
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospice care
- Some home healthcare
Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid into Social Security for 10+ years.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Medicare Part B covers:
- Doctor visits
- Outpatient care
- Preventive services
- Durable medical equipment
Medicare premiums for Part B are income-based. In 2025, most beneficiaries pay around $174.70 per month, but this amount may be higher based on your income level. There are also other strategies to lower your Medicare premiums if necessary.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans)
Medicare Part C is offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. These plans bundle Part A, B, and often Part D, and may offer additional benefits like vision, dental, hearing, and wellness programs.
You must already be enrolled in Parts A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Helps cover the cost of:
- Prescription medications
- Vaccines
- Some chemotherapy drugs
Part D plans are optional and offered through private insurers. Costs vary by plan, including monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
Medicare Eligibility
Knowing who is eligible for Medicare is important for ensuring timely enrollment.
Age-Based Eligibility
You are eligible to enroll in Medicare when:
- You turn 65 and are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- You’ve worked at least 10 years and paid into Social Security
You can apply for Medicare starting three months before your 65th birthday. Enrolling early helps avoid coverage gaps or late enrollment penalties.
Disability-Based Eligibility
If you’re under 65, you may still qualify for Medicare disability benefits if:
- You’ve received Social Security Disability benefits or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for at least 24 months
- You are diagnosed with ESRD or ALS
In these cases, you are typically automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
Medicare Enrollment: When and How to Apply
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Your IEP is a seven-month window that begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. Enroll during this period to avoid late penalties and ensure your Medicare coverage starts on time.
- General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you missed your IEP, you can still enroll during the GEP. This period runs from January 1st to March 31st annually, with coverage beginning on July 1st. Failing to enroll during the GEP may result in late enrollment penalties.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): You may qualify for an SEP if you’re covered by an employer group health plan, you lose employer medical insurance coverage, you move to a new service area, or you qualify for another life event. You typically have eight months to enroll in Medicare after your employer medical insurance ends.
Medicare Enrollment for Active Duty Service Members and Veterans
If you’re an active duty service member or a military retiree, enrolling in Medicare can affect your TRICARE or VA benefits. Here’s what you need to know:
TRICARE-Eligible Military Retirees
Once you become eligible for Medicare at age 65, you must enroll in both Part A and Part B to maintain your TRICARE for Life benefits. TRICARE for Life acts as your secondary insurance, with Medicare paying after. This can help reduce out-of-pocket costs like copayments and deductibles.
If you don’t enroll in Part B, you could lose your TRICARE coverage entirely.
Active Duty Service Members
If you’re still serving and covered by TRICARE Prime, you are not required to enroll in Part B until you retire. However, once you leave active duty, you typically must enroll in Medicare Part B to maintain full access to TRICARE for Life.
Enroll during your Special Enrollment Period (SEP) triggered by leaving active duty or losing group coverage.
Veterans and VA Healthcare
Enrollment in Medicare does not replace VA benefits. However, the VA encourages eligible veterans to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B to gain access to a wider range of non-VA providers.
Having both Medicare and VA benefits gives you the flexibility to receive care outside the VA system, which can be helpful if VA facilities are limited in your area.
Required Documents for Active Duty Service Members and Veterans
To enroll in Medicare, you may be asked to provide:
- Proof of military service
- Discharge documents
- Your current TRICARE or VA ID
Key Tip: If you’re turning 65 or retiring soon, enroll in Medicare before your military retirement date to avoid disruptions in your healthcare coverage. Doing so ensures TRICARE for Life or VA coordination starts seamlessly.
Medicare Enrollment for People with Employer Coverage
Many people delay retirement past age 65 and continue receiving employer-sponsored health insurance. If this applies to you, it’s important to understand how Medicare interacts with your current plan.
Do You Need to Enroll in Medicare If You’re Still Working?
When you have both employer insurance and Medicare, understanding who pays first is essential.
If Your Employer Has 20+ Employees:
- Your group health plan is considered the primary payer.
- You can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without penalty.
- You should still enroll in Part A (hospital insurance), since it’s usually premium-free.
If Your Employer Has Fewer Than 20 Employees:
- Medicare becomes the primary payer, and your employer coverage is secondary.
- You must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B to avoid coverage gaps.
If your group coverage ends because of retirement, a job change, or company downsizing, you are immediately qualified for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). During this period, you have eight months to enroll in Medicare Part B without penalty. If you delay enrolling past that period, you may be subject to a lifetime late enrollment penalty.
COBRA and Medicare
COBRA allows you to temporarily keep your employer’s health plan after leaving your job, but Medicare is considered your primary coverage once you’re eligible.
COBRA is not considered creditable coverage for delaying Medicare Part B, so make sure to enroll in Medicare even if you’re on COBRA.
Medicare Costs: Premiums, Deductibles & Savings Options
Medicare premiums vary depending on which plan you are enrolled in:
- Part A: Usually free if you’ve worked 10+ years
- Part B: Monthly premium based on income (starting at $174.70 per month in 2025)
- Part C and Part D: Premiums vary by plan and provider
In addition to premiums, consider deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums when comparing plans.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
If you’re concerned about affording Medicare, MSPs can help. These state-run programs assist with Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for individuals with limited income and assets.
MSP eligibility depends on income and asset limits set by your state.
Extra Help Program
If you qualify for Extra Help, you could save thousands annually on prescription medications.
The Extra Help program lowers costs related to Medicare Part D, such as premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. It’s available to those who meet income and resource limits and can provide substantial financial relief for prescription drug expenses.
Medicare Card and Benefits
Once enrolled, you’ll receive a Medicare card by mail. This card proves your Medicare coverage and should be presented when receiving medical services. If you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll receive a separate card from the private insurer.
Health Plan Options: How to Compare Medicare Plans
When choosing Medicare coverage, compare:
- Original Medicare (Parts A & B) vs. Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Whether to add a Part D prescription plan
- If a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy makes sense for you
Original Medicare
- Nationwide provider network
- Doesn’t include dental, vision, or prescription drug coverage
- Can add Medigap to reduce out-of-pocket costs
Medicare Advantage
- Localized provider networks
- May include extra benefits (e.g., fitness, dental)
- Includes Part D in most cases
Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov to compare coverage, benefits, and costs before you enroll.
How to Sign Up for Medicare: Step-by-Step
Still wondering how to sign up for Medicare? The application form may seem daunting, but we have some tips and tricks to help you navigate it. Here are your options:
- Apply Online: Visit the Social Security website and fill out the online form. This is the fastest and most convenient method.
- Apply by Phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
- Apply In Person: Visit your local Social Security office to apply in person. Appointments are recommended to avoid long wait times.
What to Expect After Applying for Medicare
Once you’ve completed your Medicare application, here’s what to expect:
- A confirmation letter from Social Security or Medicare
- Your Medicare card in the mail within 30 days
- Access to benefits starting on the 1st of your coverage month
Be sure to carry your card to appointments or when filling prescriptions.
Final Tips for Medicare Enrollment
- Enroll early to avoid gaps in coverage or late penalties.
- Compare plans each year during open enrollment (October 15th to December 7th).
- Consider your health needs, prescriptions, and preferred doctors when choosing a plan.
- Apply for Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help if you qualify.
- Ask questions and consult with a Medicare counselor if needed.
Ready to Sign Up for Medicare?
Knowing how to apply for Medicare and when to enroll can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re aging into medical insurance coverage or qualifying through a disability, understanding Medicare premiums, comparing coverage, and securing the right health insurance benefits is essential to your well-being.
Learn More with Medicare School
Stop stressing about Medicare—we can help. At Medicare School, we simplify the medical insurance process so you can make confident, informed decisions about your coverage.
Schedule a free call with an advisor or sign up to watch the our online Medicare educational workshop. Visit MedicareSchool.com to get started.
FAQ
Who is eligible to Sign Up for Medicare health insurance?
You’re eligible at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have paid into Social Security for at least 10 years. You may also qualify earlier if you have certain disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS.
When can I enroll in Medicare health insurance?
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window around your 65th birthday (three months before, your birthday month, and three months after). If you miss this, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period (January 1st to March 31st), or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you have certain life events.
Do I need to enroll in Medicare if I’m still working?
If your employer has 20 or more employees, you can delay Part B without penalty and keep your group plan as primary. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes your primary coverage, and you should enroll in Parts A and B.
How much does Medicare cost?
Part A is usually free if you’ve worked 10+ years. Part B starts at $174.70 per month in 2025 (income-based). Part C (Advantage) and Part D (prescription) costs vary by plan.
How do I apply for Medicare?
You can apply online at the Social Security website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. You’ll receive a Medicare card by mail once your enrollment is processed.