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Starting Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States primarily designed for individuals aged 65 and older, although it also covers certain younger people with disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant). The program is divided into four parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative to Original Medicare that allows beneficiaries to receive their Part A and Part B benefits through private health insurance plans, which often include additional benefits like prescription drug coverage.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, available through private plans approved by Medicare.
Medicare is funded through a combination of payroll taxes, premiums paid by beneficiaries, and federal budget allocations.
Get basic information & next steps
Start with the basics and then get specific steps to follow.
Getting Social Security Benefits before 65
Follow this path to sign up for Medicare if you’re getting retirement or disability benefits from Social Security at least 4 months before turning 65
Getting Social Security Benefits after 65
Follow this path to sign up for Medicare if you’re waiting until 65 or older to get retirement benefits from Social Security
Find the path for your situation
Find the right steps for your situation
Get specific information if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
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How does receiving Social Security benefits relate to obtaining Medicare?
Prior to reaching 65:
Your automatic enrollment in Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) of Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board) upon reaching 65 years old is contingent upon your application being submitted at least four months prior to your 65th birthday.
You will still have to make critical choices regarding your insurance, such as whether to add prescription coverage.
You will need to enroll in Medicare if you wish to receive coverage when you turn 65 but do not intend to take retirement benefits at that time.
Following your 65th birthday:
When the time comes for you to enroll in Medicare, you'll need to get in touch with Social Security.
Depending on your work situation and if you have health coverage through your employer, you may want to wait to sign up for Medicare.