You Will Follow One of 4 Scenarios:
Scenario #1 – You Already Have Part A, And Just Need To Add Part B
You can submit up to 3 months prior to your requested start date
- Just submit the two required forms (Form 40B and Form L564) to Social Security to add Part B .
- NOTE: SSA guidelines state you can submit this up to 3 months prior to your requested start date, but some SSA offices won’t let you submit until you’re within 6-8 weeks.
Scenario #2 – You Need Part A & Part B (But NOT Social Security Benefits)
You can submit the online application up to 4 months prior to your requested start date
- First start out with an online application for MEDICARE at www.ssa.gov. On the application, you will be asked whether you want to enroll in Medicare Part B. Say YES to Part B, and then add in a note in the Remarks section of the application…”I would like my Part B to begin on ______ 1st, 20__”. You will automatically get Part A (which will be backdated up to 6 months from the month you submit the application).
- Then you will be contacted by a SSA rep via phone or mail requesting the forms Form 40B and Form L564 (see Forms to Complete section). The SSA rep will ask you to either mail or fax the forms directly to Social Security. You can avoid waiting for SSA to contact you by just turning in the additional forms to a local SSA office…but don’t turn them in until you’re within 3 months of your requested start date.
- Since you don’t have a Medicare # yet…on Form 40B, enter your SSN instead.
Scenario #3 – You Need Medicare & Social Security Benefits
You can submit the online application up to 4 months prior to your requested start date
- First start out with an online application for Social Security RETIREMENT benefits at www.ssa.gov. On the retirement application, you will be asked whether you want to enroll in Medicare Part B. Say YES to Part B, and then add a note in the Remarks section of the application…”I would like my Part B to begin on ______ 1st, 20__”. If you don’t have Part A yet, you will automatically get Part A (which will be backdated up to 6 months from the month you submit the application).
- Then you will be contacted by a SSA rep via phone or mail requesting the Form 40B and Form L564 (see Forms to Complete section). The SSA rep will ask you to either mail or fax the forms directly to Social Security. You can avoid waiting for SSA to contact you by just turning in the additional forms to a local SSA office…but don’t turn them in until you’re within 3 months of your requested start date.
- If you don’t have Part A already…on Form 40B, enter your SSN in place of your Medicare #.
Scenario #4 – You Need Part A & Part B But Don’t Have 40 Quarters Paid Into Medicare
You can submit up to 3 months prior to your requested start date
This enrollment is done through your spouse’s work record
You need to be married at least 1 year, your spouse needs to be at least age 62, and your spouse needs to have the 40 quarters.
- This enrollment usually CANNOT be done online. You’ll need to schedule a phone or in-person appointment with Social Security. Call your local SSA office or the main number at 800-772-1213 to schedule. Just know, appointments are often scheduled 1-2 months out, so start calling 3-4 months prior to when you need Part B to start.
- You’ll need to submit Form 40B and Form L564 to SSA (see Forms to Complete section). The SSA rep will instruct you whether to mail, fax, or hand-deliver the forms.
- For instructions on how to complete Form 40B and Form L564, please call our office.
