How to Apply for Medicare Part B

If you live or work in the United States, you've probably heard of Medicare. A federal health insurance program funded through American workers' payroll taxes, Medicare provides basic health care for seniors and disabled citizens. Although many people think of Medicare as one all-encompassing program, there are actually four different types of coverage, with parts A and B being the most common. Part A provides coverage for hospital stays and some nursing care; however, Medicare recipients must enroll in Part B to receive coverage for physician visits and other routine health care services. Generally, individuals are automatically enrolled in both Part A and Part B Medicare when they turn 65 or after they have received Social Security benefits for two years. In some cases, you may need to apply to receive Part B benefits---fortunately, the process is quite simple.

Things You'll Need

• Local Social Security office contact information
• Your date of birth
• Your yearly income

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Verify that you are eligible to receive Medicare benefits. In most cases, you must be disabled or at least 65 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

• 2

  Contact your local Social Security office to enroll in Medicare Part B. If you are applying for Social Security retirement benefits as well as Medicare, you can apply online.

• 3

  Provide your date of birth, marital status, citizenship status and yearly income to your Social Security administrator. If you currently live or plan to live outside of the U.S., you may need to contact a U.S. embassy or consulate.

• 4

  Ask your administrator about the monthly premium amount you will be charged for Part B benefits. Individuals with high incomes will be charged a larger monthly premium for coverage.

• 5

  Determine how you would like to pay your premium. If you already receive Social Security benefits, the cost will be automatically deducted from your check. If you do not receive Social Security benefits, you can set up automatic payments through your bank account or choose to be billed each month.