How Do I Apply for Medicare? It’s Easier than You Think!

Medicare, the health insurance program of the United States government, provides health coverage to citizens who are 65 years old or older.  Those less than 65 years must meet specific criteria to be eligible to apply for Medicare. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administer the Medicare program. To take advantage of Medicare, and for your physician to accept your coverage, you must both apply for Medicare.

You are encouraged to be sure you have the must up-to-date information before making any Medicare decisions.

Individuals Who Must Apply For Medicare

Most people do not need to apply for Medicare, because they automatically become enrolled when they reach 65 years old.  Additionally, persons already receiving Social Security benefits will not need to apply for Medicare because they are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.  Those people who are automatically eligible will be notified several months prior to their 65th birthday that they are enrolled and do not need to apply for Medicare.

U.S. citizens who are not automatically enrolled must apply for Medicare by completing Medicare application CMS 40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare).  This form to apply for Medicare is available from your local Social Security Administration office.  Persons desiring Medicare coverage can also set up an appointment to apply for Medicare by calling 1-800-772-1213.  These appointments to apply for Medicare will be scheduled at a Social Security office convenient to the applicant.

Often an application for monthly retirement benefits is taken when you apply for Medicare.  You may also apply for Medicare monthly benefits online. If you have any questions when you apply for Medicare, call your local Social Security office for free assistance.

Medical Providers Who Must Apply For Medicare

Unlike most Americans who are automatically enrolled in Medicare, all Medicare health providers and services wishing to participate in the program must apply for Medicare.  When providers apply for Medicare and are approved, it means they are eligible to treat patients with Medicare coverage and receive Medicare payments for services rendered to those patients.

Providers, groups, doctors, ambulance services, and related medical providers can apply for Medicare by locating and submitting the proper application form.  These forms for providers to apply for Medicare can be obtained from the local Social Security office or online via Medicare.gov or SSA.gov.

Summary

Most American citizens will not need to apply for Medicare because they will be automatically enrolled at age 65.  Those persons who are not automatically eligible are required to apply for Medicare coverage and sometimes must meet certain specific requirements.  All health care providers and services wishing to treat Medicare patients and be reimbursed by Medicare are required to apply for Medicare.

19 Responses to How Do I Apply for Medicare? It’s Easier than You Think!

  • Srinivasan says:

    I will not be automatically enrolled in Medicare when I turn 65 since I will not be receiving Social Security benefits at that time. Can I apply for enrolllment with CMS 40B without personally going to a SS office?

  • Rita Greene says:

    I will not be automatically enrolled in Medicare when I turn 65 (August of 2008) since I will not be receiving Social Security benefits at that time. Can I apply for enrolllment with CMS 40B without personally going to a SS office?

    Thanks

  • M.C LAWRENCE says:

    HOW DO I APPY AND WHERE
    I AM 59 AND IN NURSING HOME I NEED SOME ADDITION ASSISTANCE IN ORDER TO GO HOME HAVE BEEN APPROVE FOR MEDICARE A…TO COVER THE COST OF NURSING HOME

  • DARRYL JOHNSON says:

    I would like to know why i cant have medicaid or medicare.I have applied for medicare.and at one time was getting it after losing my leg,but then it was taken from me and i dont understand why.I didnt have a job at the time ,but now i do and i make 6.50 per hour and i work less than 40 hours per week. My job doesnt offer insurance,its a job for the disable and handicap.I was turned down for disability,because they say im not disable.But how i get help to get my fake leg repaired or replaced? This is the only way i have to get around.Can you please help me?

  • lou fowler says:

    Im 62, have had a triple bypass. Left me unable to walk more than half a block without resting. I cant walk a flight of stairs. Due to age, and cardiac problems Im left without a job.
    I can not afford to have my cardiac problems addressed, nor any other health problems without insurance.
    Could I qualify for Medicaid.

  • Bonny Todd says:

    What if you do not want medicare –how do you opt out

  • Joan Young says:

    I am 65 and have not yet applied for medicare. My husband is 62. Can I apply even though he is still only 62. I have always been a stay at home mom and housewife and have not had a full time job outside the home.
    Could you please answer via e-mail.
    Thanks

  • Paul says:

    I am inside three months of turning 65. I misplaced the original government document explaining the process for registering for my Medicare card.

    Is there an online application form or document I can use to register for my Medicare card? If so, what is the web address?

    Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can give.

  • Brandi Jorgensen says:

    How do i apply?

  • A. Waheed says:

    I will turn 65 soon. I am not automatically enrolled in Medicare. I have served in the state government for about 27 years. I am eligible for state pension and theefore have not contributed to social security. Please advice what form and procedure should I follow to apply and receive medicare.

  • Barry Beck says:

    How can I apply online for Medicare. Just the standard not opt coverage as I have Health Insurance now.

  • Jin S. says:

    I am 65 and have not yet applied for medicare. My husband is 62. . I have always been a stay at home mom and housewife and have not had a full time job outside the home.
    Could you please answer via e-mail.

  • leslie burg says:

    I have been a stay at home mom and have not worked enough to qualify for medicare at 65. Will I qualify under my husbands work record as with social security?

  • Cathy Austin says:

    I am 60 years old and want to know if I can qualify for any medical benefits such as medical or medicare. I was diagnosed with very high blood pressure and need to get it under control. I am presently unemployed and have no health insurance.

    Please advise.

    Cathy Austin

  • Joe Espinoza says:

    What is the process: I am 64 – 65 on June 15, 2011 still working full time till retirement date Nov. 2014. 25 years of service. What are my options?

  • Tod says:

    i just turned 40 have no insurance and am a diabedic and cant afford my insulin and meds, will i quallify for medicare?

  • Jason says:

    I’m wondering how to opt out. The government can’t force us to enroll against our will if we don’t want it. That way it save funding for those who truly need it

  • Eric Major says:

    I will turn 65 in less than three weeks (October8) and I have not recieved any enrollment information yet.
    I am still working and plan on continuing to do so. Do I need to apply or will I still be automatically enrolled even though I have recieved no notification.

  • Sue says:

    Why isn’t Form 40-B available ads an online fill and print? These trips to your office are getting old. Thanks

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