13/10/2025
Can You Apply for Medicare Online?
You can apply for Medicare online through the Social Security website, offering a convenient alternative to visiting an office or calling by phone.
To apply, you’ll need to create a “My Social Security” account, which allows you to complete your application and track its status.
The online application is completely free and, in most cases, doesn’t require you to sign or submit additional documents. You can apply for Medicare Part A alone or for Parts A and B (together known as Original Medicare). Once you’ve applied, you can check your status anytime through your account.
How to Apply for Medicare Online
To apply, visit the Medicare section of the Social Security website and sign in or create a My Social Security account.
During the application, you’ll need to provide:
Your full name
Date of birth
Social Security number
Current health insurance details (including Medicaid, if applicable)
Country of birth (if outside the U.S.)
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation number in your account. If additional information is needed, Social Security will contact you directly.
Which Medicare Parts Can You Apply for Online?
You can apply online for several parts of Medicare:
Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital care.
Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care and doctor visits. You can apply for both A and B together, or apply for B separately if you already have Part A.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): Private plans combining Parts A and B (and often Part D). You must have both Parts A and B before enrolling. Applications are made through the Medicare website.
Part D (Prescription Drug Plans): Covers prescription medications. These are offered by private insurers and can be added to Original Medicare or included in a Medicare Advantage plan. Enrollment is also available online through the Medicare website.
Medigap (Supplement Insurance): Optional plans that help cover out-of-pocket costs not included in Original Medicare. You can apply for Medigap online after enrolling in Parts A and B.
Your first step is to apply for Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Once approved, you can explore and enroll in additional coverage options like Part C, Part D, or Medigap. Availability varies depending on your location.
Medical Perspective:
“People may choose Medicare Advantage because everything — plan benefits — is bundled together under the same private insurer, which may make it easier from a beneficiary’s perspective.”
— Oluwatoyin Kuloyo, Pharm.D., BCPS
Applying for Medicare Extra Help
Medicare Extra Help assists individuals with limited income in paying for prescription medication costs.
You can apply through your My Social Security account by completing the Extra Help application online.
You’ll need recent financial documents, such as:
Pay stubs
Bank statements
Tax returns
Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefit statements
Investment account statements
Checking Your Medicare Application Status
You can check your Medicare application status anytime using your My Social Security account and confirmation number.
You’ll be able to see when your application is received, processed, and approved.
You can also call Social Security at 800-722-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778) to check your status.
Once processed, Social Security will mail you a decision letter and your Medicare card — typically within a month of applying.
Takeaway
Applying for Medicare online through the Social Security website is simple, free, and paperless.
Creating a My Social Security account allows you to apply for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and monitor your application’s progress.
Once approved, you can explore other coverage options — including Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap — to tailor your healthcare to your needs.
