Check your eligibility (age 65+, disability, or certain medical conditions)
Review Medicare coverage options (Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D)
Decide whether you need Part A and/or Part B
Sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (generally starts 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after)
If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, enroll automatically for Part A and usually Part B
If you’re not enrolled automatically, sign up for Medicare online at SSA.gov (for Part A and/or Part B)
Apply by phone through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
Apply in person at your local Social Security office
If you need Medicare Advantage or Part D, compare plans and enroll through Medicare.gov/plan-compare
Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) or other eligible enrollment windows
Enroll in Part D during the Initial Enrollment Period or Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7)
If you have Employer Group Health coverage, confirm how it affects your enrollment timing and whether you should delay Part B
Use the Special Enrollment Period if you qualify due to current employment or other circumstances
Keep track of deadlines and effective dates for each part of Medicare