Do I call my local Social Security office to apply for Medicare?

You have three ways to apply for Medicare, and calling your local Social Security office is one of them. The fastest option is online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up, which takes about 10 minutes. You can also call Social Security's national line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Or you can visit your local field office, though appointments are recommended to avoid a long wait. Your Initial Enrollment Period runs seven months around your 65th birthday. Miss it and you could owe a lifetime Part B late penalty. Once you have Parts A and B, you'll want a plan to handle the $257 deductible and 20% coinsurance. Call me at 855-559-1700 and I'll walk you through your options.