The quick answer
You become eligible for Medicare. If you already get Social Security, you'll likely be enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. If not, you'll sign up through Social Security. Then you'll decide how you want to handle drug coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
What usually happens, step by step
- About 3 months before your birthday month: if you're getting Social Security, your Medicare card arrives in the mail.
- If you're not getting Social Security: you sign up online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
- You choose how to receive coverage: Original Medicare (often with Medigap and Part D) or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Your coverage starts — often on the first day of your birthday month if you signed up early.
Things that don't happen automatically
- You aren't automatically enrolled in a Part D drug plan, a Medigap policy, or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Your employer coverage may change or end — check with HR.
Watch out for scams
Medicare won't call you out of the blue to ask for your Medicare number. Protect your card like a credit card.
This page is general educational information, not personal advice. Medicare rules, costs, and plan options change and depend on your situation. For official information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).