The Medicare program provides health insurance to people 65 and older, people suffering from kidney failure and permanently disabled people. The federal government runs the program through the Social Security Administration (SSA), and you can apply on the SSA website, by calling an SSA representative or by going to a local office. The application process is not complicated, and it usually takes only about 30 days to receive your Medicare card once you turn in an application.
Instructions
Online
1. Go to the SSA website, click "Medicare" at the top of the page. Click "Apply for Medicare benefits" on the next screen.
2. State whether you are applying for yourself, or applying for some else, by clicking the button next to the answer. Click the "I am not blind or visually impaired" or "I am not applying for myself" button that applies. Click the "Internet Special Notices Option" link if you are visually impaired and require assistance with an online application. Click the corresponding bubble to confirm you read the notice. Click the "Privacy Act Statement" link, read it and click the box to verify you read it. Click "Apply for Benefits" at the bottom of the page.
3. Complete each page of the application, giving information such as your name, date of birth, sex, Social Security number, address, information about your spouse, current Social Security benefits, current insurance coverage and your medical needs.
4. Check the information you gave on the last page of the application to ensure there are no mistakes. Click "Submit Application." The SSA will contact you if it needs more information.
Over the Phone
5. Call the SSA and follow the prompts to talk to a customer service representative.
6. State that you want to apply for Medicare and give the representative the information she requests, such as your name, address, location and date of birth, Social Security number and your mother's maiden name. Give information about your marital status, income and medical needs as well.
7. Verify your information when the representative reviews the application. The representative will submit your application, and the SSA will contact you if you need to provide any other information.
In Person
8. Find your local Social Security office online by clicking "Find a Social Security Office" on the SSA website or by calling the SSA.
9. Visit the office and request a Medicare application. Fill out the document with information about your medical needs, income, current insurance coverage and marital status.
10. Turn in the application to a SSA representative for processing. If the SSA requires further documentation, it will contact you.
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