How to Enroll in Original Medicare Parts A and B

Original Medicare is made up of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Part A helps cover hospital care, while Part B helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and other medical services.
Before you choose a Medicare Supplement plan, Medicare Advantage plan, or Part D prescription drug plan, you usually need to understand when and how to enroll in Original Medicare.
Enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B is handled through Social Security. National Benefits Consultants does not enroll you in Original Medicare directly, but we can help you review your coverage options after your Medicare effective dates are known.

Do You Need to Sign Up for Medicare?

Some people are enrolled in Medicare automatically. Others need to sign up.
Most people first become eligible for Medicare at age 65. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits before age 65, you may be enrolled automatically. If you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits, you may need to apply for Medicare yourself.  Your Initial Enrollment Period generally starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month.

Where Do You Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B?

You enroll in Original Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security. Social Security states that people sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, and that people age 65 or older can enroll online for Parts A and B or Part A only.
You may be able to apply:
  • Online through Social Security
  • By phone through Social Security
  • Through a local Social Security office
​Some people enroll in both Part A and Part B when they first become eligible. Others enroll in Part A only and delay Part B because they are still covered by an employer group health plan.

Basic Steps to Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B​

The general process is:
  1. Decide whether you need Part A only or both Part A and Part B.
  2. Apply through Social Security.
  3. Watch for your Medicare card and effective dates.
  4. Use your Part A and Part B effective dates to review your next coverage options.
Your Medicare effective dates matter because they help determine when you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, Medicare Advantage plan, or Part D prescription drug plan.

What If You Already Have Part A and Need Part B?

This is common for people who worked past age 65.  You may already have Medicare Part A but need to add Part B when your employer coverage is ending. Medicare says people who already have Part A and want to add Part B because they are losing job-based coverage can apply online for Part B and may need their employer to complete Form CMS-L564.
This step is important because it helps prove you had employer group health coverage and may help you avoid a late enrollment penalty.

Be Careful About Delaying Part B

Delaying Medicare Part B can make sense if you have qualifying employer group health coverage based on active employment. But delaying Part B incorrectly can create late enrollment penalties, coverage gaps, or both.
COBRA and retiree coverage do not always protect you the same way active employer coverage does. If you are retiring after age 65, review your Medicare timing before your employer coverage ends.

What Comes After Medicare Parts A and B?

Once your Medicare Part A and Part B are active, you can review your additional Medicare coverage options. These may include:
  • Medicare Supplement insurance
  • Medicare Advantage plans
  • Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
  • Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
​National Benefits Consultants is based in Centennial, Colorado, and helps Medicare beneficiaries throughout Colorado compare Medicare coverage options.

How National Benefits Consultants Helps

National Benefits Consultants does not enroll you in Original Medicare Parts A and B. That step is handled through the Social Security Administration.  Once you have your Medicare Part A and Part B effective dates, we can help you compare Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Part D options so you can choose coverage that fits your needs.
Contact National Benefits Consultants today for help reviewing your Medicare coverage choices.

Need help after enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B?

Call 720-488-9892 or contact National Benefits Consultants to review Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Part D coverage options.
Related topics: Medicare Insurance | Medicare Supplement Insurance | Medicare Advantage Plans | Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans | Turning 65 & Medicare | Employer Plans and Medicare | Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Which May Fit You Best?