This page helps you find answers to some of the most common Medicare enrollment questions. It explains how Medicare enrollment works and what to do in common situations, like still working or enrolling later. Medicare applications must be completed directly with the Social Security Administration. https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up This page is for education only.
Take your time and read the sections that apply to you.
Who do I apply with to start Medicare?
You apply for Medicare Parts A and B through the Social Security Administration.
Medicare enrollment is not done through insurance companies.
Some railroad retirees apply through the Railroad Retirement Board instead.
Official Medicare information is also available at Medicare.gov.
What does “signing up for Medicare” mean?
When people say they are “signing up for Medicare,” they usually mean enrolling in:
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
Medicare Part B (medical insurance)
This step does not choose:
A Medicare Advantage plan
A prescription drug plan
A Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Those choices happen after Parts A and B are active.
What should I do if I am still working?
If you plan to keep working or delay Part B, it is safest to take these steps:
Confirm your employer coverage qualifies
Employer size matters (generally 20 or more employees)
Coverage type matters
Ask your employer or benefits office if your coverage allows you to delay Part B without penalty
Keep proof of your coverage
Save letters or documents that show you had employer coverage
You may need this later to avoid penalties
Contact Social Security
Tell them you are still working or covered by employer insurance
Ask how your Medicare enrollment should be handled
This helps prevent mistakes later
Doing nothing is risky.
It is better to confirm and document than to assume.
What if I enroll after age 65?
Many people enroll in Medicare after age 65 because they were working or had other coverage.
If you delayed Medicare correctly:
You may be able to enroll without penalties
You must follow Special Enrollment Period rules
If Medicare rules were not followed:
Late penalties may apply
Some penalties are permanent
When should I apply for Medicare?
Most people apply during their Initial Enrollment Period.
This period lasts 7 months:
3 months before you turn 65
The month you turn 65
3 months after
If you miss this window, late penalties may apply.
Some penalties are permanent.
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits before age 65, you are usually enrolled automatically.
Do I need Medicare drug coverage if I’m still working?
If you delay Medicare, you should also:
Confirm whether your employer drug coverage is creditable
Keep proof that your drug coverage meets Medicare standards
If your drug coverage is not creditable, delaying Medicare Part D can cause late penalties later.
This rule is separate from Part B and still matters.
What do I need to do when my job or coverage ends?
When your job or employer coverage ends, you should:
Contact Social Security right away
Enroll in Part B during your Special Enrollment Period
Submit any required proof of coverage
Missing this window can cause permanent penalties.
Timing is strict.
What happens after I enroll in Medicare?
After Parts A and B start:
You receive your Medicare card
Then you can choose:
A Medicare Advantage plan, or
A Part D drug plan and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
In New York, Medigap plans are available year-round, but other coverage options still follow federal enrollment periods.
Still Working at 65 (Important Section)
What if I am still working at 65?
If you are still working, or covered by a spouse’s job, your Medicare timing may be different.
Some people in this situation:
Enroll in Part A only, or
Delay Part B
This is only allowed if your current insurance qualifies under Medicare rules.
If your coverage does not qualify, delaying Part B can cause permanent penalties.
Do I have to take Part B at 65?
No. Some people delay Part B.
You may delay Part B only if:
You are actively working, and
You are covered by a qualifying employer or union health plan
If these rules are not met, delaying Part B can result in lifetime late-enrollment penalties.
What information will Social Security ask for?
When you apply, Social Security will usually ask for:
Your Social Security number
Birth information
Citizenship or residency status
Current health insurance information
Work and coverage details if you
delayed Part B
You do not need to choose a Medicare plan at this step.