As you approach retirement or your 65th birthday, learn about Medicare eligibility requirements and how to enroll.
Who is eligible for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Medicare is a government health insurance program for Americans who are 65 or older and younger people who have certain disabilities and receive Social Security benefits.
Medicare was first created in two parts, Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (coverage for doctor visits and outpatient care). Together, they’re called Original Medicare.
How to sign up for Medicare video [COMING SOON]
Original Medicare is available to people who:
- Are age 65 or older
- Are a U.S. citizen or have been a legal resident for five consecutive years
- Are eligible for benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board
- Are under age 65 and are permanently disabled and have received Social Security Disability for two years
- Have end-stage renal disease requiring ongoing dialysis or a transplant
- Have paid into Medicare through payroll taxes during your (or your spouse’s) working years
Enroll at the right time
Your Initial Enrollment Period for Original Medicare is a seven-month window — from three months before your 65th birthday month to three months after your 65th birthday month. Coverage can begin as soon as the first day of the month you turn 65.
Enrollment order
You must enroll in Original Medicare Part A and Part B before you enroll in a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Cost, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Part D prescription drug plan.
Social Security benefits
If you already receive Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
Disabled and under 65
If you are disabled and under 65, you will get Part A and Part B automatically after you’ve received disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months.
Working past 65
If you or your spouse plan to work past age 65, you may not need to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65.
Coverage effective date
- If you apply for Medicare prior to your Part A and Part B effective date, your coverage will take effect on your Part A and Part B effective date
- If you apply for Medicare after your Part A and Part B effective date, your coverage will be effective the 1st of the month following the date of receipt
How to enroll in Original Medicare
Anyone who already gets Social Security retirement or disability benefits is automatically enrolled in Original Medicare.
If you need to sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B, here are ways to do so:
By phone
Call 1-800-772-1213
Call TTY 1-800-325-0778
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
In person
Visit your nearest Social Security office. Bring proof of your age and W-2 forms for the past two years.
Online
Apply at ssa.gov
How to enroll in a Minnesota Blue Cross Medicare plan
When you are newly eligible for Medicare you can add additional coverage, which is offered by private insurers, to help pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Examples of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plans are:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Medicare Cost
- Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
If you choose to enroll in one of our Medicare plans, you can do so during your initial enrollment period (or annually during the Medicare open enrollment period).
Blue Cross Medicare Advisors
Get help person-to-person
A Blue Cross Advisor will meet with you in person or virtually to answer your questions and enroll you in a Medicare plan.
Enroll by phone
Give us a call to speak to a Medicare expert.
1-855-579-7658
(TTY call 711)
Help is available from
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time, daily
Get help from an agent
An agent can help you choose
the best plan for you.