Key Takeaways

  • You can apply for Medicare online through the Social Security website. It offers a convenient alternative to in-person visits or phone calls.
  • To apply for Medicare online, you’ll need to create a “My Social Security” account. This account allows you to complete the application and track its status.
  • You can apply for Original Medicare (parts A and B) online. Once approved, you can explore and enroll in additional Medicare coverage options like Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription drug plans, and Medigap plans.

The Medicare application on the Social Security website allows you to apply completely online. In most cases, you won’t need to sign anything or send in any supporting documentation.

The application is completely free. Once you apply, you’ll be able to check on the status of your application at any time.

You can use the online application to apply for Medicare Part A alone or for Medicare parts A and B. Together, parts A and B make up Original Medicare.

You can apply for Medicare online by visiting the Medicare section of the Social Security website.

You’ll need to create a My Social Security account before you can complete the application. You may already have one, but if not, you can set one up in just a few minutes.

The application will ask you for:

  • your name
  • your date of birth
  • your Social Security number
  • any current health insurance you have, including Medicaid
  • the country you were born in, if it wasn’t the United States

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation number in your My Social Security account. If more information is needed to process your application, Social Security will contact you directly.

You can get multiple parts of Medicare by applying online:

  • Part A: Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital insurance. You can apply for Part A online using the Social Security website.
  • Part B: Medicare Part B covers outpatient medical insurance. You can apply for Part B and Part A on the same application. If you already have Part A, you can also apply for Part B online using the Social Security website.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare Advantage is sometimes called Part C. You must have Medicare parts A and B before you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Private and approved insurance companies administer Medicare Advantage plans, and you can search for and enroll in a local plan on the Medicare website.
  • Part D prescription drug plans: Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover take-home prescription medications. Like Medicare Advantage plans, private insurers administer Part D plans. If you have Original Medicare, you can enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan. Medicare Advantage plans often include Part D coverage. You can then enroll in a plan online on the Medicare website.
  • Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plans: Medigap plans offer optional coverage that you can enroll in if you have Original Medicare. It can help cover some of Original Medicare’s out-of-pocket expenses. You can apply for a Medigap plan online after you’ve enrolled in both parts A and B.

So, your first step to getting any part of Medicare is to apply for Original Medicare (parts A and B).

Once you’re enrolled, you can shop for Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription drug plans, and Medigap plans. The plans available to you will depend on where you live since some plans are only offered in specific cities, states, or regions.

Medical Perspective

“People may choose Medicare Advantage because everything [plan benefits] is bundled together under the same private insurer, which may make it easier from a beneficiary’s perspective.”

— Oluwatoyin Kuloyo, Pharm.D., BCPS

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

How do I apply for Medicare Extra Help?

Medicare Extra Help is a program that helps people with limited incomes pay for the costs of their medications.

You can apply for the Extra Help program using your My Social Security account and by completing the Extra Help application online.

You’ll need to provide some recent information about your income, such as:

  • pay stubs
  • bank statements
  • tax returns
  • Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits statements
  • investment account statements

You can check on the status of your Medicare application at any time using your My Social Security account. You can use the confirmation number you received when you submitted your application.

You’ll be able to see when your application is received, processed, and approved. You can also call Social Security at 800-722-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778) to check on your status.

You’ll receive a decision letter through the mail when Social Security has processed your application.

If your application is approved, you’ll also receive your Medicare card in the mail. It typically takes less than a month from when you apply to when you receive your card.

You can apply for Medicare online using the Social Security website. The application is completely free.

You’ll need to create a “My Social Security” account if you don’t already have one. Your account will let you apply for Medicare online and check your status at any time.

You’ll need to apply for Original Medicare (parts A and B) before you can apply for any other parts of Medicare. Once Social Security approves your Medicare application, you can enroll in additional coverage.