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Visit usI’m already getting Social Security
If you get a Social Security check or benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) right now, you will automatically get Medicare Part A and Part B. This will start on the first day of your 65th birthday month. You will receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. It will arrive about three months before your 65th birthday.
I’m already getting Social Security
You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. This will take place after you have received two years of disability benefits from Social Security or the RRB.
I’m not getting Social Security
You will have to enroll in Medicare. As your 65th birthday gets closer, you will have a couple of ways to enroll. Here’s how:
Call Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778 )
Call the RRB toll-free at 877-772-5772 (TTY: 312-751-4701 )
Be sure to get ready for your call or visit with Social Security or the RRB. Here are a few tips. You should:
- Take these personal documents with you if you make an in-person appointment:
- Your original birth certificate or a certified copy
- Your Social Security card (or have your number ready)
- Your W-2 tax forms for the last two years
- Have these same documents ready if you have an appointment over the phone
- Ask your spouse, partner, daughter/son, or close friend to be there with you to help if you don’t understand something
- Ask lots of questions (write them down and take them with you or have ready for the call)
Of course, you can always call us. Visit our Customer Service page for our phone number and hours. We’ll be happy to help you.
Or if you want to work with a sales agent, call her or him.
What if I keep working past my 65th birthday? What should I do?
If you keep working past your 65th birthday, you can enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B. This should be done during the eight-month period that begins the month after your employer’s health plan coverage ends.
We know this is another big decision. We have a brochure that may be helpful. It’s our Healthcare in Retirement brochure. We invite you to read through it.
Still need help? We’ve got you covered.
We hope you found all this information useful. If you still have questions, give us a call. If a family member is helping you make decisions, have her or him call us. We want to make sure you get answers to your questions.
Another great tool is the Medicare website. Go to www.medicare.gov . There you can:
- Learn more about Medicare
- Read the Medicare and You Handbook
- Find Medicare Advantage health plans in your area
Don’t forget!
Our website has a lot more information on it. You can find:
- Details about our extra benefits
- Our plan documents, like our Provider Directory, Pharmacy Directory, Summary of Benefits, and more
- Forms you may need
- How to make a complaint
- What you can do to save money with your health care
- How to keep your health information safe
- And so much more
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