Medicare FAQs

Common Questions about Medicare

  • When do I sign up for Medicare?

    You become eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 or on your 25th month of collecting Social Security Disability. If you are drawing some form of Social Security benefit (retirement or disability) and become eligible for Medicare, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A and B.  


    If you are not collecting any Social Security benefit when you become eligible for Medicare, you must enroll through Social Security by doing one of the following: 

    • Apply online at the Social Security website 
    • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (Monday – Friday 7am – 7pm) If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call TTY 1-800-325-0778.

    See instructions to sign up for Medicare with Social Security - Download PDF

  • When do I get my Medicare card?

    If you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare, then your official Medicare card will arrive in the mail 2 to 3 months before you’re eligible. Otherwise, your card will arrive about 3 weeks after you apply for Medicare coverage. The sooner you apply, the sooner your card will be ready. You can access benefits as soon as your coverage begins.

  • Is Medicare free?

    Original Medicare isn’t free, but it’s a more affordable option than anything else. 


    You don’t have to pay for Medicare Part A under most circumstances (the monthly premium for Part A is $0 for those who have worked long enough to quality for Social Security benefits). You’ll still need to pay a deductible for each hospital stay before Part A covers some of your hospital costs – but Medicare Supplement and most Medicare Advantage plans cover this. 


    The premium for Medicare Part B is generally $144.60 (for 2020) per month, although the exact cost will depend on your tax returns from two years ago. Additionally, you’ll need to pay 20 percent of your medical costs on Part B – but Medicare Supplement and most Medicare Advantage plans pay this for you too.

  • Am I eligible for Medicare?

    You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Legal residents must live in the U.S. for at least 5 consecutive years, including the 5 years prior to applying for Medicare; AND, one of the following: 


    • 65 years old or older 
    • Under 65 with a qualifying disability 
    • Someone with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)