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How Do You Sign Up for Medicare?

Learn how to sign up for Medicare through Social Security, what information you need, and when to enroll to avoid gaps or late penalties.

Direct answer

To sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B, apply through Social Security. Many people age 65 or older can enroll online for Parts A and B, or Part A only. Timing matters because employer coverage, disability or ESRD eligibility, and missed enrollment windows can change the correct path and may create coverage gaps or late penalties.

age or eligibility + current coverage + enrollment window = Medicare sign-up path

Medicare sign-up paths

Turning 65

Initial Enrollment Period through SSA

No penalty if you enroll on time

Still covered by active employer plan

Consider delaying Part B

SEP timing depends on work and coverage ending

Already receiving Social Security

Automatic Part A may apply

Part B choices can still matter

Under 65 with disability

Medicare eligibility may differ

SSI alone does not qualify you for Medicare

ESRD

Call SSA for help applying

Online path may not fit

Situation	Likely path	Important caveat
Turning 65	Initial Enrollment Period through SSA	No penalty if you enroll on time
Still covered by active employer plan	Consider delaying Part B	SEP timing depends on work and coverage ending
Already receiving Social Security	Automatic Part A may apply	Part B choices can still matter
Under 65 with disability	Medicare eligibility may differ	SSI alone does not qualify you for Medicare
ESRD	Call SSA for help applying	Online path may not fit

SSA and Medicare.gov do different jobs

Use Social Security for Part A and Part B enrollment. Use Medicare.gov to review and sign up for Medicare Advantage or drug plans after you understand your Medicare enrollment choices.

Sign up

1Confirm your Medicare eligibility and current health coverage.
2Decide whether you need Part A and Part B, or Part A only.
3Gather your Social Security number, birth information, and group health plan dates.
4Apply through Social Security online, by phone, or by appointment.
5Track the application status and handle Medicare Advantage or drug plan choices separately.

FAQ

Do I sign up for Medicare through Social Security or Medicare.gov?

SSA handles enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare.gov is where you review and sign up for Medicare Advantage and drug plans.

Can I sign up for Medicare online?

Yes, many people age 65 or older can enroll online for Parts A and B, or Part A only, through Social Security.

Can I delay Medicare Part B if I still work?

Possibly. SSA says delaying Part B may make sense if you have active employer group health plan coverage, but timing rules matter to avoid gaps or penalties.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.