There are several ways to apply for your Medicare card:
In Person – Contact your local Social Security Office
By Phone – Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to make a telephone appointment for an interview to begin benefits. Social Security will call you at the appointed time. Tell the representative that you wish to apply for Medicare Parts A&B only, unless you are desirous of other services, such as Retirement Benefits.
If you or your spouse worked for a Railroad, call the railroad retirement board at 1-877-772-5772.
Online: Applying for Medicare online
Step 1
The prerequisite to being able to quickly and easily apply for Medicare online is having (or establishing) a “My Social Security” account. This is an relatively easy process. The greatest difficulty is the “identity proofing”, which asks you a series of questions that, theoretically, only you will know the answer.
For clear directions in setting up your “My Social Security” account, see below.
See our Step-by-Step Guide to my Social Security
Step 2
Then, once step 1 has been completed and not more than 3 months before your 65th birthday, you can apply online for your Medicare Card.
Be sure to apply for both Part A and Part B, unless you have other creditable coverage that you plan on continuing.
Please feel free to contact MediSmart Advisors for any assistance that you might need.