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 2010 guide which will explain the different
parts of Medicare in easy to understand language.

Apply for Social Security and Medicare

Step 1: Sign up for Social Security

Three months before your 65th birthday, you should contact the local Social Security office or
go online to http://www.ssa.gov to apply for Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad
Retirement Board (RRB) benefits. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits or RRB
benefits, then you don’t need to apply again when you turn 65.
NOTE: if you have opted not to begin receiving your Social Security or RRB benefits when
you turn 65, you still can receive Medicare benefits by contacting Medicare directly and
applying for benefits.

Step 2: Enroll in Medicare

Once you turn 65 and are receiving Social Security or RRB benefits, Medicare will send you an
information kit in the mail about enrolling in Medicare. You will automatically be enrolled in a
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and a Medicare Part B (medical insurance) plan in the
beginning.

NOTE: if you or your spouse is still working and are receiving health insurance from the
employer, you do not need to enroll in Medicare until after your health insurance with the
employer ends.

Click Here to Download the Turning 65 Guide for Medicare 2010