En español | You can file for Medicare online at www.ssa.gov when you file for Social Security retirement benefits. You can file for just Medicare if you do not wish to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits.
If you do not wish to apply online, you can make an appointment by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare parts A and B. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. You will be contacted by mail a few months before you become eligible and given all the information you need.
Note: Residents of Puerto Rico or foreign countries will not receive Part B automatically. They must elect this benefit.
