How To Apply Online For Just Medicare 
You can apply online for Medicare even if you are not ready to retire. Use our online application to sign up for Medicare. It takes less than 10 minutes. In most cases , once your application is submitted electronically , you re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if we need more information. Otherwise , you ll receive your Medicare card in the mail. Learn more about your Medicare card. Apply for Medicare Only Return to Saved Application|Check Application Status|Replace Medicare Card Medicare is managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services CMS. Social Security works with CMS by enrolling people in Medicare. For more information about applying for Medicare only and delaying retirement benefits , visit Applying for Medicare Only Before You Decide. To find out what documents and information you need to apply , go to the Checklist For The Online Medicare, Retirement, And Spouses Application. 

New Medicare Cards 
To help protect your identity , Medicare has sent you a new Medicare card. Your new card will have a new Medicare Number that s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. If you did not receive your new Medicare card , there may be something that needs to be corrected, like your mailing address. You can update your mailing address by logging in to or creating your personal my Social Security account. 

Learn about Medicare 
Medicare is our country s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including those with disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. To learn more , read our Medicare publication. 

Already Enrolled in Medicare 
If you already have Medicare , you can get information and services online. Find out how to manage your benefits. If you already have Medicare Part A and wish to sign up for Medic

user: Hello, I was wondering when I should sign up for Medicare. I'm not sure how this affects my benefits.

assistant: Of course. We recommend you to sign up for Medicare three months before reaching age 65, even if you are not ready to start receiving retirement benefits. You can opt out of receiving cash retirement benefits now once you are in the online application, then you can apply online for retirement benefits later.

assistant: Are you currently choosing not to enroll in Medicare Part B?

user: Yes, I  wanted to do so at a later point of time.

assistant: In this case your coverage may be delayed and you may have to pay a higher monthly premium for as long as you have Part B. Your monthly premium will go up 10 percent for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B, but didn't sign up for it, unless you qualify for a "Special Enrollment Period".

user: Interesting, I didn't know that. Oh, and what is this "Special Enrollment Period" you mentioned?

assistant: Before I explain this, do you have medical insurance coverage under a group health plan based on your or your spouse's current employment?

user: No, I don't.

user: By the way, what are the advantages of applying for Medicare online?

assistant: Using the online Medicare application has a number of benefits. You can avoid trips to your Social Security Office, saving you time and money, for example.

user: Are there any other ways to enroll?

assistant: Yes, there are. You can also apply by phone - Call us at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.