Beginning the Process

• The process to sign up for Medicare should begin three months before your 65th birthday. This is due to the initial enrollment period, which lasts for seven months---the three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the three months following. If you fail to apply during this period you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period, which can delay coverage substantially. Currently, there is no system wherein an individual can complete the application process entirely online. Rather, Medicare coverage should be discussed with an agent at a Social Security office. The agent can begin the application process with you and walk you through enrollment for benefits. For some individuals who plan to continue working, this means that Medicare will exist as a secondary insurance, but signing up is still recommended by the government to prevent future problems should you become unemployed.
  
  

Process for Those Receiving SSI

• Individuals enrolled to receive Social Security benefits before the age of 65 have no additional steps to take in order to receive Medicare coverage. In fact, these individuals are enrolled automatically the month they turn 65 years of age. These individuals have their Medicare cards mailed to them by the government within the three months prior to their 65th birthday. Instructions come along with the Medicare card detailing the process by which you may turn down Medicare Part B coverage if you would prefer not to receive it.
  
  

Social Security

• Citizens eligible for Medicare coverage may opt to apply for Social Security in addition if they are not receiving benefits. If you are close to 65 years of age and begin the process of applying for Medicare benefits, you can usually enroll for Social Security coverage at the same time. Unlike Medicare, certain individuals are eligible for online application at the United States' Social Security website. Eligibility requires that you be at least 61 years and 9 months old, that you plan to start receiving benefits within four months, and that you live in the United States of America. In order to determine whether you are eligible, a questionnaire is posted online. The answers to these questions determine any additional steps in the process.