Social Security handles all enrollment for Parts A and B
Establish a SSA.GOV Account
Everyone seeking Medicare benefits must register for Part A and/or Part B through the Social Security Administration, which confirms eligibility. They have made it convenient to enroll on-line and avoid having to go to the office or spend a long time on the phone. Once enrolled, individuals can then contact private insurers for Supplemental, Drug, or Medicare Advantage plans.
Begin at Social Security Medicare Sign-up website and click the ‘Sign up for Medicare’ link
For guidance on creating your Social Security account, watch this Step-by-Step YouTube Video
Medicare A and B (with option to defer Part B)
Most people should consider signing up for at least Medicare Part A when they turn 65, as this coverage is generally free if they have accrued more than ten years of work credits through their own or their spouse’s employment. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), review our flyer for details about deferring Part A for tax reasons.
You may delay enrolling in Part B (which requires a monthly premium) if you or your spouse are currently employed and covered by a Large Employer Group Health Plan. If the employer has fewer than 20 employees (or fewer than 100 in the case of disability), you generally need to enroll in both Parts A and B, as Medicare becomes your primary insurance. For step-by-step instructions on enrolling in both Parts at age 65, refer to this YouTube Video – How to Apply
Part B Enrollment After Employment Ends
If your or your spouse’s employer group health plan is now ending and you have delayed enrolling in Part B, you will have an 8-month window to enroll in Part B. You’ll be without primary insurance until you do so, so don’t wait.
To enroll online, be sure you have an SSA.GOV account, have already enrolled in Part A, and previously indicated you were not enrolling in Part B at that time. Complete your Part A enrollment first, as the SSA.GOV system doesn’t allow simultaneous online enrollment in both Parts if Part B was deferred. Even 1 month ahead for Part A alone is OK.
You’ll need a form signed by your employer confirming active coverage under a Group Health Plan. A fill-in PDF document with necessary information is available online: (Download form CMS L-564). Instructions are included with the form. HR departments are familiar with it and should be able to provide a signed copy promptly. This form remains valid for up to eight months, so you can request it well before your retirement date.
After obtaining the signed L-564, create a clear PDF copy and save it to your computer. You will be able to upload this with your Part B application via SSA.GOV. For detailed guidance, refer to this YouTube Video – Part B after work has ended
Allow some time for enrollment
You can enroll in person at a Social Security Office, but appointment wait times are long. Even online, enrollment takes at least a month, so it’s best to apply two months ahead. You can apply up to three months before your desired start date; include this date in the ‘Remarks’ box on your application.
Contact HICAP for help if needed
Reach out to HICAP for support with special circumstances, such as using a spouse’s work record or dealing with kidney failure. While HICAP’s ability to assist directly with Social Security is limited, we can provide suggestions for resolving common enrollment issues.