People With Medicare

Step 1: Learn how to join Medicare.

You do not need to do anything to enroll if:

You turn 65 and get Social Security retirement benefits. You will be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. Your Medicare card will come in the mail with a "Welcome to Medicare" kit. Your Medicare card will be red, white and blue. Just sign the front of it. Then start using it.


You are under 65 and get Social Security disability benefits. Your Medicare card and kit will come in the mail. They will arrive 2 years, or 24 months, after you start getting disability payments. Just sign the front of the card and start using it.

You will need to enroll yourself in Medicare if:

You turn 65 and do NOT get Social Security retirement benefits or disability payments. You must sign up for Medicare. If you do not apply, you will not be enrolled in Medicare.

To apply, contact your local Social Security office. Once you enroll, your Medicare card and "Welcome to Medicare" kit will come in the mail.

NEXT: Starting Part B