How to Enroll in Medicare

Where to sign up for Medicare (it's Social Security, not Medicare).

Medicare Phone Number

Phone	(800) 633-4227
Hours	24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website	www.medicare.gov

USA Customer Care is an independent guide — not affiliated with Medicare. Official website: www.medicare.gov. Menus and numbers can change; always confirm on the official site.

📌 Before You Begin

Many people call 1-800-MEDICARE to sign up and are surprised to be redirected — enrollment is actually handled by the Social Security Administration. Here is where to go and when.

🧾 What You’ll Need

Have ready before you apply:

Your Social Security number
Your date of birth and citizenship or residency information
If you are still working: your employer group health-plan details

🧭 Step-by-Step

Medicare enrollment is handled by Social Security, not the 1-800-MEDICARE line.
Apply online at ssa.gov, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (Mon-Fri, 8am-7pm local time).
Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7 months around your 65th birthday (3 months before, your birth month, and 3 months after).
Once enrolled, call 1-800-MEDICARE for coverage, plan, and claim questions.

💻 Faster: Do It Online

The fastest way to enroll is online at ssa.gov/medicare — you can apply for Part A and Part B in under 30 minutes without a phone call.

❓ How to Enroll in Medicare — FAQ

When can I enroll in Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7 months around your 65th birthday — the 3 months before your birth month, your birth month, and the 3 months after. Missing it can mean lifelong late penalties.

Do I call Medicare or Social Security to sign up?

Social Security. Apply at ssa.gov or call (800) 772-1213. Use 1-800-MEDICARE only after you are enrolled, for coverage and plan questions.

📞 Medicare Phone Numbers

1-800-MEDICARE (general help)	(800) 633-4227 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
TTY (deaf or hard of hearing)	(877) 486-2048 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Medicare Fraud Hotline	(800) 447-8477 Mon-Fri, business hours

More Medicare Guides

How to Talk to a Real Person at MedicareReach a live 1-800-MEDICARE representative, day or night.

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✅ Steps verified 2026-07-16 against official sources. Independent guide — not affiliated with Medicare.
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