• 65 years or older, and a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident who has lived I the U.S. for five full years before applying
• Under 65 but have a qualifying disability, diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• If you plan to retire at age 65 or are already retired and don’t receive Social Security yet, then you can enroll in Medicare benefits.
• If you already received Social Security retirement, disability, or Railroad Retirement benefits, then you’ll be enrolled automatically in Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare).
• If you are currently covered by an employer group health plan and plan to continue working past age 65, then you can still enroll in Medicare. Talk to your human resources department before you enroll to ensure you’re making the best decision for you.
• If you have coverage through your spouse’s employer and are over 65, then you can enroll in Medicare benefits and keep the coverage through your spouse’s employer.

There are certain times when you can enroll in Medicare or switch to a new Medicare plan. When you enroll affects what guidelines you have to follow and what type of Medicare plan you can choose. Get to know the enrollment periods.

Enrollment Periods

• Initial Enrollment Period(IEP)
• Annual Enrollment Period(AEP)
• Open Enrollment Period(OEP)
• Special Enrollment Period(SEP)

A lot of people work past age 65. Many have health insurance through their employers. Depending on your situation as you turn 65, you may or may not have to enroll in Medicare. However, you may want to consider enrolling in Medicare Part A even if you are still working. Check with your employer’s human resources department to see if signing up for Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) would be a good idea for you. They should also be able to tell you if your employer requires you to enroll in Original Medicare. If you don't enroll in a Medicare plan, your employer's plan may not cover services that Medicare covers. You may risk having to pay a Late Enrollment Penalty for Medicare if you don’t enroll when you are first eligible.

Medicare enrollment doesn’t automatically happen when you turn 65.

Here’s how to enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

Enrolling in Medicare Parts A & B

If you are already getting Social Security Retirement or disability (or Railroad Retirement benefits) when you turn 65

• You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
• You should get a “Welcome to Medicare” packet and Medicare card in the mail from the Social Security Administration about 3 months before your 65th birthday

If you are not yet collecting retirement benefits

• You need to contact Social Security to apply for Medicare
• It is best to apply 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you do not apply, you will not be enrolled in Medicare

Three ways to apply for Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

• Online: Visit Social Security’s website
• By phone: Call the Social Security Administration national customer hotline at 1-800-722-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call, 1-800-325-0778

What you may need

• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate
• Proof of United States citizenship or legal residency (if you weren’t born in the U.S.)
• Any W-2 forms you have from the last two years
• Your Social Security card or number

Learn more about what FHCP Medicare from Florida Blue can do for you, call 1-844-672-7324.

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