1. Contact Social Security office at 800-772-1213

2. Apply online at Social Security at https://www.ssa.gov/

3. Apply in person at your local Social Security office*

   *Best method. Tip: Arrive 30 minutes prior to opening for shortest wait time

Medicare Part A hospital insurance covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility, hospice, lab tests, surgery, and home health care.

Part B covers 2 types of services

Medically necessary services: Services or supplies that are needed to diagnose or treat your medical condition and that meet accepted standards of medical practice.

Preventive services: Health care to prevent illness (like the flu) or detect it at an early stage, when treatment is most likely to work best.

Part A costs in 2025:

$0 for most people (because they've paid into Medicare taxes long enough while working - generally at least 10 years). This is sometimes called “premium-free Part A."

If you don’t qualify for a premium-free Part A, you might be able to buy it. In 2025, the premium is a maximum $518 each month, depending on how long you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes.

You also have to sign up for Part B to buy Part A.

If you don’t buy Part A when you’re first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty.

Part B costs in 2025:

$185.00 each month (or higher depending on your income). The amount can change each year. You’ll pay the premium each month, even if you don’t get any Part B-covered services.

You might pay a penalty if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65). There are exceptions, but request a consultation to discuss your particular situation.