Beginning the Process

• Three months before you turn 65, you should begin planning the process of applying for Medicare benefits. The initial enrollment period begins three months before an individual's 65th birthday---otherwise, you will have to wait for an "open enrollment period" to apply, which will certainly delay benefits received. Because online application is currently unavailable, a visit must be made to your local Social Security office in order to discuss your enrollment options. Those already enrolled in Social Security have the added benefit of being signed up automatically for benefits---although, due to the premium that must be paid on Part B coverage, a person may choose to turn down the benefit.
  
  

Medicare Part A

• Medicare Part A, also known as "hospital coverage," is available currently to all US citizens over the age of 65. As mentioned before, application is automatic for those already enrolled in Social Security benefits. However, applications must be made and processed at your Social Security office, which benefits you by assigning you to an agent to guide the process along. Even people who did not pay Medicare taxes during their working career are eligible to pay for Part A benefits, though premiums currently cost over $200 per month.
  
  

Medicare Part B

• Part B Medicare covers outpatient care, some home services, specialty doctors, and other services (including medically necessary supplies). If you apply at your Social Security office during your enrollment period, coverage takes effect the first month you are eligible. Because Part B insurance costs you a monthly premium---$96.40 per month as of 2009---not everyone elects to sign up for Part B. As with Part A, application for Part B must be done at the Social Security office and the process begins three months before you turn 65. However, by applying for Social Security (which can be done entirely online) before you are eligible for Medicare, you will be allowed to enroll in Part B automatically unless you decide to turn down coverage.