Apply Online for Medicare

Apply Online for Medicare

Social Security & You

Did you know that you can apply online for Medicare, even if you’re not ready to retire? We can help you make an informed decision about when to apply for benefits based on your individual and family circumstances. 

Applying online can take less than 10 minutes. There are no forms to sign and usually no required documentation. We’ll process your application and contact you if we need more information.

Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/medicare to begin. There, you can apply for Medicare and find other important information. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after that birthday. 

Some Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.  For more information on Extra Help, read www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10525.pdf.

You may also be interested in reading these publications: 

Helping a friend or family member with this information can improve the quality of their life. Share these resources with someone you love today. 

About the author

Brandon P. Smith is the author of Northeast Ohio Thrive’s Social Security & You blog. He is a Social Security public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration, based in Cleveland. A Cleveland native, he joined the SSA in 2003. He is the primary contact for media relations, outreach, and presentations for the agency in Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, and Geauga counties. In addition to other communications awards, Brandon received a Deputy Commissioner Citation from Social Security’s Office of Communication in 2015 for his outstanding public affairs support of the agency’s national communication initiatives.

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