Where do I go to apply for Medicare?

People already collecting Social Security retirement are enrolled in Parts A and B on their own, and the card shows up by mail roughly 3 months ahead of the 65th birthday. Everyone else applies with Social Security, and David can sit down and go through that application with you. Picking a Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare Supplement plan is a separate step, and David helps you choose one and get enrolled.

More detail

Say you're 64, still working, and not taking Social Security yet. You won't be signed up automatically, so you apply through Social Security. You can also contact them 3 months before you turn 65 to set up an appointment.

If you already get Social Security, watch your mailbox. Your red, white and blue card arrives about 3 months before your birthday, with Part A and Part B on it. If you have coverage from a current job and don't want Part B yet, you need to tell Medicare before the start date on the card.

A common mistake: thinking that once the card comes, you're done. The card covers Parts A and B. Drug coverage and any Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan are separate decisions, each with its own timing.

What to have ready when we talk: your Medicare card or start dates, details of any current coverage, your doctors and your prescriptions.

Once your card arrives, call me and we'll plan the next steps together.