If you're enrolled automatically
You're enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically if you have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for at least four months before you turn 65, or if you have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months (or have ALS and receive disability benefits). Your red, white and blue Medicare card comes in the mail. If you don't want Part B, for example because you have coverage from a current job, follow the instructions on the card to decline it before it starts.
If you need to apply
If you aren't getting benefits yet, apply with Social Security:
- Online at ssa.gov, with a my Social Security account. You can apply for Medicare only, without starting retirement benefits.
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- In person at a Social Security office. Social Security has offices around Washington; use the office locator on ssa.gov to find yours, and check whether you need an appointment.
Railroad retirees apply through the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772. People with end-stage renal disease apply by phone or at an office.
Washington steps to take at the same time
- Check for help with costs. If your income is limited, apply for a Medicare Savings Program through Washington Connection. Washington has no asset test and sets QMB up to 110% and QI-1 up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Try the savings programs screener.
- Apple Health adults. Apple Health's adult coverage is for people 19 through 64 who aren't entitled to Medicare. When you get Medicare, you may still qualify for Apple Health Classic as secondary coverage, so respond to any Apple Health notices.
- PEBB retirees. PEBB requires retirees and enrolled dependents to enroll in Part A and Part B as soon as they're eligible; see do PEBB retirees need Medicare Part B?
- Medigap timing. Your six-month Medigap open enrollment period under RCW 48.66.025 starts the first month you are 65 and have Part B. During it, a company can't deny you or charge more because of your health.
After you sign up: choose how to get your coverage
With Part A and Part B, you choose Original Medicare (adding a Part D drug plan and, if you want, a Medigap policy) or a Medicare Advantage plan. See Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage and turning 65 in Washington. A licensed insurance agent with Benefits Life can compare plans from the companies they work with, at no cost to you: (206) SENIORS (206-736-4677), TTY 711. You can also see plans in your ZIP code.
Related questions
When does Medicare start?
Start dates depending on when you sign up.
Do I need Part B if I'm still working?
Delaying Part B without a penalty.
What is Washington's Medicare phone number?
Official numbers.
Sources
- Social Security — Sign up for Medicare
- Medicare.gov — How do I sign up for Medicare?
- Social Security — Office locator
- Social Security — Multilanguage gateway (interpreter services)
- RCW 48.66.025 — Medigap open enrollment at 65
- WAC 182-517-0100 — Federal Medicare savings programs
- Health Care Authority — Apple Health for individual adults
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply if I'm not enrolled automatically?
During your Initial Enrollment Period: the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after. Apply in the first three months so coverage starts on the first day of your birthday month.
I'm still working. Do I have to sign up at 65?
Not for Part B if you have group coverage from current work at an employer with 20 or more employees. You can sign up later with Forms CMS-40B and CMS-L564 during a special enrollment period. Many people still take Part A at 65.
Can I apply in Spanish or another language?
Yes. Social Security's application and phone line are available in Spanish, and Social Security provides interpreters in other languages at no cost to you when you call or visit.
Do I sign up for Medicare Advantage or Part D with Social Security?
No. Social Security enrolls you in Part A and Part B. You join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan through the plan, Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE or a licensed insurance agent.
Medicare in your Washington county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Adams · Asotin · Benton · Chelan · Clallam · Clark · Columbia · Cowlitz · Douglas · Ferry · Franklin · Garfield · Grant · Grays Harbor · Island · Jefferson · King · Kitsap · Kittitas · Klickitat · Lewis · Lincoln · Mason · Okanogan · Pacific · Pend Oreille · Pierce · San Juan · Skagit · Skamania · Snohomish · Spokane · Stevens · Thurston · Wahkiakum · Walla Walla · Whatcom · Whitman · Yakima
