## Eligibility

 ## Who is eligible for Original Medicare (Part A & 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.



 

 

 

### 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



 

 

 



 

 



 

 

 

## When to enroll

 ## Enroll at the right time

Your Initial Enrollment Period into 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.

 ![Medicare enrollment timeframe graphic](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/medicare-enrollment-timeframe.png "medicare-enrollment-timeframe")



 

 

 

 

### 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.



 

[Learn about working past 65](/understanding-health-insurance/learn-about-medicare/working-past-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

## 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.



 

[View the Social Security Administration (SSA) directory](https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/policies-procedures/social-security-advocacy-services/social-security-administration-ssa-directory/)

 

 



### Online

Apply at [Social Security Administration (SSA)](https://www.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)](/our-plans/medicare-plans/medicare-advantage-plans "Medicare Advantage plans")
- [Medicare Supplement (Medigap)](/our-plans/medicare-plans/medicare-supplement-plans "Medicare Supplement plans")
- [Medicare Cost](/our-plans/medicare-plans/medicare-cost-plans "Medicare Cost plans")
- [Medicare Part D prescription drug](/our-plans/medicare-plans/medicare-part-d "Medicare Part D")

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).



 

 

 

 

 

 

## Enrollment help

       ![Advisor helping senior couple](/sites/default/files/styles/3x2_third/public/dam/uwanwdnnuo/seniors-advisor-meeting-istock-1461150525-rt-web.jpg.webp?itok=7lTqhNHb "seniors-advisor-meeting-istock-1461150525-rt-web.jpg") 

 

 

### It doesn't have to be hard

**Our Blue Cross Advisors are here to:**

- Help you learn about Medicare basics and our plans
- Assist you in finding a plan that meets your needs
- Help you enroll in a plan



[Connect with a Blue Cross Advisor](/our-plans/blue-cross-advisors)

 

 

 

 

 

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### 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



 

 

 



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### Work with an agent

An agent can guide you through the entire decision-making process, helping you find the best value for your healthcare dollar.



 

[Find an agent](https://agentfinder.bluecrossmn.com)

 

 



 

 



 

 

 

## Enroll today

 ### Compare plans and enroll online

 Enter your ZIP code  



 

 

 [Compare and enroll](https://bcbsminnesota1.destinationrx.com/PC/2026/Shopping/PlanList) 

 

 

 

 

Blue Cross offers Cost, PPO, and PDP plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in these Blue Cross plans depends on contract renewal.

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