How Do I Apply for Medicare?

Apply for your Medicare card 3 months before your 65^th birthday, contact Social Security and enroll in Medicare.  You will get your Red, White, and Blue card in the mail.  See sample above.

This is your Medicare card.  Sometimes it is referred to as your Red, White, and Blue card.  This card will show that you have medical health insurance.  Carry this card with you at all times.

It takes about 30-60 days to receive it.  It is important to apply early, before you turn 65 years old.

I have a friend who was 67 years old and was still working.  She did not know she needed to apply for Medicare when she turned age 65 because she has health insurance from her employer.

When her daughter had the baby and she decided to retired to help her.  This is when she decided to enroll in Medicare.  Because she lived in a different state, she did not have time to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement when she retired.  She had original Medicare until it was time for open enrollment.