If You Are Approaching or at Age 65
Approximately 3 months prior to your 65th birthday, Medicare will send you an initial enrollment package containing general information about Medicare, a questionnaire and your red-white-and-blue Medicare card.
Here's how to check: Sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account and see when your card is mailed. If you don't have a MyMedicare.gov account yet, visit MyMedicare.gov to create one. Once your new card has mailed, you can sign in to see your new Medicare Number or print an official copy of your new card.
when you applied for benefits. About 2 weeks after you sign up, we'll mail you a welcome package with your Medicare card.
Premium-Free Medicare Part A Based on Age
An individual who is receiving monthly Social Security or RRB benefits, at least 4 months prior to turning age 65, does not need to file a separate application to become entitled to premium-free Part A. In this case, the individual will get Part A automatically at age 65.
We'll automatically enroll you in both Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). We'll mail you a welcome package with your Medicare card 3 months before your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage starts. When will I be enrolled? Answer a few questions to double-check.
If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $518 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($185 in 2025).
If you're already getting Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B (you don't need to apply). However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. You'll get your Medicare card about three months before you turn 65.
If you have to buy Part A, and you don't buy it when you're first eligible for Medicare, your monthly premium may go up 10%. You'll have to pay the penalty for twice the number of years you didn't sign up.
Once you're signed up for Medicare, we'll mail you your Medicare card in your welcome packet. You can also log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print your official Medicare card.
To qualify to get $144 added back to your Social Security check, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a Part B premium reduction or giveback benefit.
It's always good to have your Medicare card on you to ensure you receive affordable care. Once you get your Medicare card, we recommend taking a photo of it with your phone, so you always have the information handy. You can also make note of your Medicare number, so you have it whenever you need it.
If you are eligible for automatic enrollment, you should not have to contact anyone. You should receive a package in the mail three months before your coverage starts with your new Medicare card. There will also be a letter explaining how Medicare works and that you were automatically enrolled in both Parts A and B.
Your Medicare card. Medicare beneficiaries are not receiving new cards this year, but scammers may try to convince you otherwise. For example, scammers may falsely tell you that Medicare is issuing new cards—perhaps a card that is plastic or metal, or a card that has a chip in it.
If you are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A.
Yes, when you turn 65, you can sign up for Medicare even if you're still working and have health insurance through your employer.
But if your employer has less than 20 employees, you need to take Medicare Parts A and B, because that will be your primary insurance. If you don't enroll, your employer plan may pay less – or nothing at all – for your care when it finds out.
If someone enrolls in Original Medicare before they begin receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits, they will receive a CMS-500 bill for 3 months of Part B premiums. Part A is typically premium-free. The bill usually arrives around the 10th of the month and must be paid by the 25th.
If you don't qualify for premium-free Part A: You might be able to buy it. You'll pay either $278 or $505 each month for Part A ($285 or $518 in 2025), depending on how long you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes.
Pay attention to when you receive your Medicare card
If you're automatically enrolled in Medicare, you'll get your card in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday. If you sign up for Medicare during the IEP, you should receive your card within 30 days of being approved.
Whether you're new to Original Medicare or have been enrolled for some time, understanding the limitations of your coverage is important as you navigate decisions about your healthcare. One of the main reasons why Original Medicare doesn't cover 100% of your medical bills is because it operates on a cost-sharing model.
The cost of Medicare Part C plans (also known as Medicare Advantage plans) varies depending on where you live and the plan you choose. Some plans have $0 monthly premiums. You still have to pay your Part A and Part B monthly premiums.
If you have Medicare Part B medical insurance, your premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security check and your monthly premiums are based on your income. Most Part B enrollees will have $185 deducted from their Social Security each month in 2025. The amount increases if you have a high income.