Can I enroll in Medicare at my local Social Security office?
Asked by: Kaia Lesch DVM | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (38 votes)
Can I apply for Medicare at my local Social Security office?
Form SSA-1 | Information You Need To Apply For Retirement Benefits Or Medicare. You can apply: Online; or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.
Where to apply for Medicare in person?
If you're not automatically enrolled around the time you turn 65, the first step in getting original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is applying. You can do this online or by phone, as well as in person at your local U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?
- Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help from Medicare is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. ...
- Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Get free personalized health insurance counseling.
Do I enroll in Medicare through Social Security?
You'll sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, so you can make both retirement and Medicare choices and withhold any premiums from your benefit payments. If you're under age 65, you may be eligible for Medicare if you have permanent kidney failure or if you receive Disability benefits.
Enroll in Social Security & Medicare at the Same Time
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
Is it better to apply for Medicare online or in person?
Online (at Social Security) – It's the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. (You'll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for benefits.)
Does Medicare have local offices?
Medicare has national offices in Maryland and Washington, D.C., and 10 regional offices around the United States. Medicare doesn't operate local offices, but you can apply for Medicare at any local Social Security office.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
What is the best Medicare insurance for seniors?
- Best Medicare Advantage Company: Aetna Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mutual Ins. Co., Devoted Health, Inc., Highmark Health.
- Best Medicare Part D Company: Centene Corporation, Elevance Health, Inc., Humana Inc., Medica Holding Company.
What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?
- Your Social Security Card.
- Your original birth certificate.
- Proof of U.S citizenship or legal citizenship status documentation if you were not born in the U.S.
- A copy of your W-2 form.
Is it better to apply for Social Security online or in person?
The easiest and most convenient way to apply for retirement benefits is by using our online application. You will need to create or log in to your personal my Social Security account.
Is Medicare free at age 65?
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: • You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).
How to make an appointment with Social Security to apply for Medicare?
Visit your local Social Security office.
Security office to enroll in Medicare, you should make an appointment. Appointments are strongly recommended so that you can avoid delays and waiting in line. Call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to make an appointment at your local office.
When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?
You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.
At what age do you get 100% of your Social Security?
For anyone born 1960 or later, full retirement benefits are payable at age 67.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
But there are trade-offs. Medicare Advantage plans often have a limited network of hospitals and physicians. And while the premiums are typically low, enrollees could end up paying more in the long run in copays and deductibles if they develop a serious illness.
What is the best supplemental insurance for Medicare?
- Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
- Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
- Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
- Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?
- Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Pay your own Part B premium.
- Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.
Does Medicare cover dental?
In most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures.
Does Medicare Part A and B cover office visits?
Medicare Part B pays for outpatient medical care, such as doctor visits, some home health services, some laboratory tests, some medications, and some medical equipment. (Hospital and skilled nursing facility stays are covered under Medicare Part A, as are some home health services.)
How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?
eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.
What will Medicare not pay for?
We don't cover these routine items and services: Routine or annual physical checkups (visit Medicare Wellness Visits to learn about exceptions). exams required by third parties, like insurance companies, businesses, or government agencies. Eye exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses.