How do I apply for Medicare A & B?

For beneficiaries eligible for Medicare by age (65 & older)

You are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A once you turn 65, assuming you have worked 40 quarters. If you are drawing Social Security, or will begin drawing Social Security when you turn 65, Medicare assumes that you will also begin Part B when you turn 65. You should receive your Medicare card in the mail about 3-4 months before your birthday.

For a variety of reasons, many of our clients do not receive their Medicare cards 3-4 months before their 60th birthday.  If you are in this situation, you should contact Social Security, at 1-800-772-1213. As strange as it seems, you do not call Medicare to apply for Medicare, you call Social Security. Unfortunately, there is no way to apply for Medicare online at this time, so your only other option is to go into a local social security office and apply for Medicare. You can find a list of local offices on the Social Security website.