One of the biggest questions Americans have when they turn 65 years of age is “How do I enroll in the federal medicare program?” Of course at 65 there are many other questions, but let’s talk about medicare enrollment applications and how to get started on medicare.

Types of Medicare Enrollment Applications

Medicare Enrollment Applications

There are basically three ways to begin when enrolling into medicare. We’ll talk about the three medicare enrollment options in the next paragraph. First you need to know when you can join medicare. If you are within three months of your 65th birthday and are qualified for medicare you can begin enrollment. Learn more about the medicare enrollment period here.

Now that you have decided to join the medicare program, you really need to do a some shopping to find the best medicare plans in your state. You see all medicare plans are not the same. With the original medicare you get the basics, but for a few dollars more you can apply for private medicare plans that often  deliver more and better services. If you do complete  private medicare enrollment applications (quotes), you will still need to apply directly to Social Security/Medicare to be qualified for medicare plans. See below.

Online Medicare Enrollment Applications

We’ve already mentioned the private medicare plan option and even if you do enroll in a private medicare plan that has been approved by the medicare program, you will need to complete your official medicare enrollment application online or at the local Social Security/Medicare Office.

The official online medicare enrollment application form is used to sign up for Medicare. You can apply for Medicare even if you are not ready to retire. You can use the online Medicare application if you:

• are at least 64 years and 8 months old;
• want to sign up for Medicare;
• do not want to start receiving Social Security Benefits in the next four months; and
• live in the United States, or one of its territories or commonwealths.

Local Medicare Enrollment Applications

Of course sometimes going in person is easier than completing a medicare enrollment applications over the internet.  The Social Security Administration office is where you will need to go to enroll in medicare and or social security. You can lookup the nearest SSA/Medicare office here.

When completing medicare enrollment applications consider Medicare Plans of America.

Medicare Enrollment Applications page.