To enroll in Medicare or find out if you are eligible, call the Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
You may also go to their website for more information.
A tool on the Medicare.gov website will help you figure out if you're eligible for Medicare and when you can sign up. The Medicare Eligibility Tool is what it's called.
If you currently receive Social Security benefits:
If you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board payments, you are immediately eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) on the first day of the month you turn 65. To enlist, you will not need to do anything. About three months before your 65th birthday, you will get your Medicare card in the mail. If you turn 65 on February 20, 2010, your Medicare coverage will begin on February 1, 2010. (Please note that if your birthday falls on the first day of a month, Medicare Part A and Part B will begin on the first day of the preceding month.) If your 65th birthday falls on February 1, 2010, your Medicare coverage will begin on January 1, 2010.)
If you do not get Social Security payments, you should:
You can apply for retirement benefits online if you are not receiving Social Security payments. If you merely want to file for Medicare, contact 1-800-772-1213 to get started.
If you are handicapped and under the age of 65, you must:
If you're under 65 and disabled, and you've been receiving disability payments from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for at least 24 months, you'll be eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B on the 25th month of disability benefits. Enrolling in Medicare will not need any action on your part.
About 3 months before your Medicare eligibility date, you will get your Medicare card in the mail.
(Note: If you have Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and are under the age of 65, you will get Medicare benefits the month you receive disability payments from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.) Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or go to the Social Security website for further information.