The Medicare application on the Social Security website allows you to apply completely online. In most cases, you won’t need to sign anything or send in any supporting documents.

The application is completely free. Once you apply, you’ll be able to check on the status of your application at any time. This article explains how to check on your application to make sure it’s being processed.

If you applied for Medicare online, you can check the status of your application through your Medicare or Social Security account. You can also visit the Check Enrollment page on Medicare.gov and find information about your enrollment status by entering your:

  • ZIP code
  • Medicare number
  • last name
  • date of birth
  • Medicare Part A effective date

You can also check the status of your application by visiting or calling a Social Security office.

You can ask your pharmacy to check the status of your Medicare Part D enrollment by sending a test claim.

You can also call the Member Services department of your Medicare Part D plan.

Once your application has been reviewed, you should receive a letter in the mail to confirm whether you’ve been enrolled in the program or not. If your application has been denied, the letter will explain why this decision was made and what to do next.

If your application has been approved, you’ll receive a red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. Your card will show your name, Medicare number, which Medicare plans you benefit from, and the start dates for each plan.

You’ll receive your card within about 3 weeks from the date you apply for Medicare. You should carry your card with you whenever you’re away from home.

You can sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account if you need to print a replacement card.

When and how you enroll for a Medicare plan may affect the start date of your coverage.

Medicare enrollment can be done online, in person, or over the phone through Social Security. Your benefits may not start until 3 months after applying, so it’s important to apply 3 months before your 65th birthday to start receiving coverage that day.

If you already collect Social Security income benefits or Railroad Retirement Benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65.

There are several resources available online through Social Security and Medicare to track the status of your application and enrollment. You can call Social Security or visit your local Social Security office if you have additional questions.

Most applications take a few months to process. When you get your Medicare card in the mail, make sure the information is correct.

Contact Social Security if you want to change your plan. There may be fees included in changing plans or adding additional coverage if you didn’t do it when you were eligible.