Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare and some people need to sign up.
Automatic
If you are already getting benefits from Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB): You will automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. (If your birthday is on the first day of the month, Part A and Part B will start the first day of the month before your birthday.)
If you are under 65 and have a disability: You will automatically get Part A and Part B after you get disability benefits from Social Security or certain benefits from Railroad Retirement for 24 months.
If you have ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease): You will get Part A and Part B automatically the month your Social Security benefits start.
Sign up
If you are eligible for Medicare but do not qualify for automatic enrollment: You will need to sign up to start receiving Medicare benefits. For example, you need to sign up to start receiving Medicare benefits if:
- you are 65 years old and aren’t collecting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. You should contact Social Security before you turn 65.
- you have End-Stage Renal Disease and want to enroll in Medicare
Visit the Social Security Administration website for more information and to sign up for Medicare benefits.
Resource from the Medicare website: Understanding Medicare Advantage & Medicare Drug Plan Enrollment Periods.