How to Enroll in Medicare Online at SSA.gov

By Anthony Orner, Licensed Medicare Insurance Broker · Updated March 2026

If you're not already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll need to sign up for Medicare yourself. The whole process happens on the Social Security Administration website. It takes about 10 minutes.

Here's every screen you'll see, in order, so there are no surprises.

Before you start, have these ready:

✓Your Social Security number
✓Your driver's license or state ID (for identity verification)
✓Your employer's name and health insurance dates (if applicable)
✓A phone with a camera (for the ID verification selfie)

Go to the SSA Medicare sign-up page

Head to the Social Security Administration website. It might feel odd that Medicare enrollment goes through Social Security, but that's how it works.

•Go directly to ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
•Accept the terms of service and click Next

Start a new application

On the next screen, look for the "Apply & Complete" section.

•Click "Start a New Application"
•If you saved a previous application, you can return to it from here too
•The application takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your situation. You can save and come back.

Sign in or create your Social Security account

You need a my Social Security online account. If you already have one, sign in. If not, you'll create one now.

•Have your Social Security number and driver's license ready
•You can sign in with Login.gov or ID.me
•For identity verification, you'll either live-chat with a video agent or take photos of your license and a selfie on your phone
•If your glasses are on, they'll ask you to remove them for the selfie

Tip: If the online verification is too difficult or you don't have a smartphone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an in-person appointment. Wait times can be long, so plan ahead.

Log in to your account

Once your account is set up, log in.

•Select "I am applying for myself"
•Confirm whether you have a my Social Security account (Yes or No)
•Click Next

Enter your personal information

Basic stuff. Fill it in exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.

•Full legal name (first, middle, last, suffix)
•Social Security number
•Date of birth
•Gender

Answer the eligibility questions

Social Security needs to know a couple of things about your situation.

•Whether you are blind or have low vision (even with glasses or contacts)
•Whether you've been unable to work for the last 14 months due to illness, injury, or conditions expected to last 12+ months

Tip: Answer honestly. These questions help SSA determine which Medicare benefits you may qualify for, including disability-based enrollment if applicable.

Choose whether to opt in to Part B

This is the most important decision in the application.

•You'll see: "Do you wish to apply for Medicare ONLY, but not for monthly retirement cash benefits?" Select Yes if you only want Medicare.
•Then: "Do you want to enroll in Medicare Part B?" Click the "Things to Consider" link if you're unsure.

Tip: Most people should enroll in Part B unless they have active employer coverage. Skipping Part B and enrolling later means a permanent late penalty of 10% per year you delayed. If you're not sure, call us at 855-559-1700 before you click "No."

Provide your insurance and employment information

SSA asks about any existing health coverage you have. This matters for coordination of benefits and penalty calculations.

•Whether you're covered under a group health plan
•Whether the coverage is through your own current employment
•Employment start and end dates for the job providing the health plan
•Health insurance start and end dates
•Whether you're receiving Medicaid

Review, sign, and submit

Almost done. Read the Electronic Signature Agreement carefully.

•Review all the information you entered
•Check the box: "I agree with the Electronic Signature Agreement above"
•Click "Submit Now"
•You cannot change anything after you submit

Tip: Double-check your Part B election before submitting. Once it's in, changing your mind requires contacting Social Security directly.

You made it through

In about two weeks, your Medicare card will arrive in the mail inside a Welcome to Medicare package. Bring the card with you to all medical and pharmacy visits starting on the date printed on the front.

Now is the time to choose a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan. Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the month you turn 65 and have Part B. During this window, no carrier can turn you down or charge you more based on health.

Call for Free Advice — 855-559-1700

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