How to enroll in Medicare: A simple step by step sign up guide to walk you through it
A step-by-step guide through the online enrollment process
1. Register for an account. It may seem counter-intuitive, but to sign up for Medicare, you’ll need to go to the Social Security Administration website. Use this link to get there. Under “Sign up for Medicare,” click the “Apply online” button, then accept the terms of service and click “Next.
2. Apply for benefits. On this screen, under “Apply & Complete,” click the “Start a New Application” button.
3. Indicate whether or not you already have a Social Security account. If you do, you’ll be asked to sign in. If not, you’ll need to create one. Have your social security number ready, in addition to your driver’s license. You’ll be asked to verify your identity in one of two ways: by live-chatting with a video agent, or by clicking a button that sends a link to your mobile phone. That link will help you submit pictures of the front and back of your driver’s license, as well as a digital “selfie” to confirm your identity. The latter will require you to hold your phone in front of your face with your glasses off, if applicable.
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If this is all too difficult—or if you don’t have the right technology—you can always make an appointment to apply in-person by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (for TTY users, 1-800-325-0778). Or you can contact your local Social Security office here. Realize that wait times might be long, both on the phone and in person.
4. Log in to your Social Security account.
5. Provide some personal information like your name, social security number, date of birth, gender, etc.
6. Answer the question on this next screen.
7. Opt in to Medicare Part B, if you so desire.
8. Provide information on your other insurance, if applicable.
9. Sign the application when you’re ready, and then submit it. You’ll no longer be able to modify information in your application after you click “Submit Now.”
Congrats—you made it through!
​In about two weeks, you’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail, in a Welcome to Medicare package. Bring the card with you to all medical and pharmacy visits as of the date listed on the front of the card.