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FAQs AND HELPFUL LINKS

You have questions? We have answers!

Eligibility

Q Am I eligible for Medicare before age 65?

A Most people become eligible for Medicare benefits when they turn 65. However, if you have a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for Medicare benefits after receiving Social Security benefits for two years. There are two exceptions to the waiting period. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits because you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) or End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you are immediately eligible for Medicare.

 

Q Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for Medicare?

A Medicare is a federally funded health program, so you must be either a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the United States for at least 5 years.

 

Q Am I eligible for Medicare if I haven't worked?

A All U.S. citizens or legal residents can receive Medicare benefits, but in order to receive Part A benefits without paying a premium, you or your spouse need to have been employed and paying Social Security taxes for at least 10 years. For more information about buying Part A as well as Part B if you don't qualify for premium-free coverage, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit your local social security office

Enrollment

Q Who gets Medicare automatically? Who has to sign up?

If you're already getting Social Security checks or retirement benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), Medicare enrollment is automatic. You'll get your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday, and benefits will start on the first day of your birth month. However, if you're like most people, you'll need to enroll in Medicare through Social Security Online,  by visiting a local Social Security Office,  or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Use our enrollment timelines to find your Initial Enrollment Period.

 

Q Should I enroll in Medicare Part B if I'm still working?

A It depends. If you or your spouse is still working and you're covered by an employer health plan, there's no need pay for duplicate coverage. When you retire or your employer coverage otherwise ends, you'll then be able to sign up for Part B (through a Part B Special Enrollment Period). You should enroll in Part A when eligible.
However, if you're still working and don't have other health coverage, then you should enroll in Part B (along with Part A) when you're first eligible. Otherwise, you'll have to pay a late-enrollment penalty and a higher premium when you do sign up.

 

Can someone else enroll me in Original Medicare through Social Security? 

Yes! Social Security allows another person to complete your enrollment for you, whether or not they have officially registered as your "authorized representative". If you are with the person when they are filing the application and can sign it yourself, then you both can proceed as if you were completing it yourself. If you are not present, the completed application will be mailed to you to verify and sign. For more information about enrolling, visit Social Security Online  , call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit your local Social Security Office

Using Your Medicare benefits

How do I pay for my Part B premium?

If you get a monthly benefits check from Social Security, the Railroad Retirement Bureau (RRB) or the Civil Service, your Part B premium must be deducted automatically from the check. If you don't receive benefits from these programs, Medicare will bill you directly for your monthly premium.

 

Will my Medicare coverage follow me if I move out of the state?

If you are enrolled in Original Medicare only, then your coverage moves with you (you will need to provide a change of address). However, some Medicare Advantage and supplemental insurance plans are state-specific. So make sure your insurance is transferable and will be accepted by doctors and hospitals in your new state of residence.

 

Q I lost my Medicare Card -what should I do?

You can order a replacement card online on the Replace a Medicare Card   page of the Social Security web site. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, phone number and possibly your mother's maiden name, your place of birth and the amount of the last payment you received or the month and year of your last payment.

CHECK OUT OUR LIBRARY

Find helpful materials like plan documents, brochures and a Medicare glossary — right in our Library section.

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GET THE MEDICARE BASICS

Find information on Medicare ABCDs, eligibility, enrollment timeline, and next steps.

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GO TO SOCIALSECURITY.GOV

Apply for Parts A and B, and get in-depth answers to enrollment questions.

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