It can be difficult to navigate through the Medicare Enrollment Process. You may be wondering what forms you should fill out and who to call to make sure you are signed up for Medicare. This guide has been designed as a brief overview of what to do to enroll in Medicare. For more information, please download the Medicare & You 2011 guide which will explain the different
parts of Medicare in easy to understand language.

Apply for Social Security and/or Medicare

Skip this step if you do not want to sign up for Social Security or RRB retirement benefits when you turn 65.

 
Step 2: Enroll in Medicare (even if you don't plan to retire!)

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is free at age 65 if you have worked at least 40 calendar quarters during your lifetime.  Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) has a monthly premium associated with it based on when you enroll and your income.  Not everyone needs Part B when they turn 65, yet they still need to enroll in Part A.

If you are currently receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you do not need to enroll in Medicare. You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and a Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). 

If you do not plan to sign up for Social Security retirement benefits at age 65 (no longer the normal retirement age for people born in 1938 or later), you still need to enroll in Medicare. Contact your local Social Security office or go online to http://www.ssa.gov to apply for Medicare.

NOTE: If you or your spouse are still working and receive health insurance from the employer or union, you probably do not need to enroll in Medicare Part B until after your health insurance with the employer or union ends (contact your Benefits Department for more information). However, you do want to enroll in premium-free Medicare Part A. 

NOTE: If you receive your red, white, and blue Medicare Health Insurance ID card and it shows you have MEDICAL (PART B) on the front and you did not want to enroll in Part B, follow the instructions on the back side of the form. Since you are entitled to Hospital Insurance even though you do not want Medical Insurance, you will be sent a new card showing that you have Hospital Insurance only. 

Click Here to Download the Turning 65 Guide for Medicare 2011