Apply online. This is the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. Click the "Enroll in Original Medicare" button below.

You'll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for Social Security benefits online. Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is seven months. It starts three months before your 65 birthday, the entire month of your 65th birthday, and extends for three months after your 65th birthday.

If you enroll before your birthday month, your coverage takes effect on the first day of your birthday month. If you enroll during or within three months of your birthday, your coverage will start the first day of the month following your enrollment.

Once you have Medicare insurance there are a few times during the year that you can change your Medicare coverage depending on your particular circumstances. Here are the two most common periods that you can make changes to your Medicare coverage, called a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) October 15 – December 7

During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan and apply for a Medicare supplement insurance plan.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP) January 1 - March 31

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on January 1, you can make one coverage change between January 1 and March 31. You may switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. If you go back to Original Medicare, you may also enroll in a Part D plan during this time.