Medicare: checklist

Check your eligibility for Medicare, apply, wait for your card, and review additional coverage options.

0/6 steps done

YOUR NEXT STEP

1. Check whether you will be enrolled automatically

If you started receiving Social Security or RRB benefits at least 4 months before turning 65, check your automatic enrollment status.

1. Check whether you will be enrolled automaticallyIf you started receiving Social Security or RRB benefits at least 4 months before turning 65, check your automatic enrollment status.
2. Apply to SSA or RRBIf you are not automatically enrolled, apply to SSA, or to the RRB if you or your spouse worked for the railroad, online, by phone, or at a local office.
3. Use the form appropriate to your situationUse CMS-40B for Part B, CMS-L564 for workplace insurance, or CMS-10797 for an exceptional circumstance.
4. Stop HSA contributionsTo avoid an IRS penalty, stop contributing to your HSA 6 months before applying for Medicare.

5. Wait for your Medicare cardAbout 2 weeks after enrollment, wait for the welcome package containing your Medicare number.
6. Review additional coverage optionsReview Part D, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage options with Medicare's plan comparison tool.

This content is general information, not legal advice.