How Do I Check the Status of My Medicare Enrollment?

After you apply for Medicare coverage, it can take a few weeks to receive a letter confirming your acceptance. So, if you want to be on Medicare when you turn 65, finalize and send your paperwork a month or two before your 65th birthday to be safe.

For online access, you’ll need to enter your Social Security number and the confirmation number you received when you filed your application. You will need the same information if you call Medicare customer service.

The federal government automatically enrolls people who receive Social Security benefits before age 65 in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). Beneficiaries are also automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B when they turn 65.

Otherwise, you’ll need to apply to enroll in either Part A or Part B.

Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a letter letting you know the status.

If you need help or can’t check your Medicare application status online, call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Medicare Part A provides coverage for medical services given in a hospital setting.

You apply for Medicare Part A coverage online at the SSA website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Once you do, you can use the steps above to check the application status.

Medicare Part B provides coverage for medical services outside of hospital settings, including visits to your primary care provider and urgent care. You’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part B if you qualify for it.

To check the status of your Medicare Part B application, use same steps you followed to check your Part A application. Both parts are usually approved at the same time.

You can decline Medicare Part B if you don’t need the coverage it provides. To do this, you can either contact Social Security or follow the associated instructions in your welcome packet. You will need to send your Medicare card back to the SSA with a request in writing that includes your signature.

After basic coverage, Medicare offers three other policies: Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and Medigap. Private insurers provide the coverage for all three plans.

You may be able to check the status of your Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and Medigap coverage by using the Medicare.gov or My Social Security portals, visiting a Medicare office or by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

However, the best way to check the application status of a private Medicare plan is to contact the insurance company that is providing the plan for which you are applying. Most insurance companies are available by phone or email. Some may even offer additional contact options like SMS or live chat tools.

Finally, you can check the status of your Medicare Part D by asking your pharmacy to send a test claim to your insurer. If Medicare accepts it, then you’re covered.

Applications for Medicare Parts A and B can take a few weeks to be approved. If you apply for both at the same time, they’re usually approved together.

Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and Medigap plans and process their own applications, so wait times may be shorter. Most insurers take up to eight weeks to approve applications.

You have eight months after you stop working to apply for Medicare. This is your own special enrollment period, and you can submit your application while you are still working full time. If you don’t enroll within the eight-month window, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period opens to apply.

If you qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, then it starts on the first day of the month when you turn 65, regardless of when you applied.

If for some reason the government denies your application for Medicare coverage, you may appeal. The government will mail any denial with a letter of explanation, which should also include instructions about how to appeal the decision.

If you don’t receive an acceptance letter within 60 days of submitting your application, call the SSA or check online. You’ll need your Medicare application number to get an answer.

One benefit of joining Medicare is that once you join, you don’t need to reapply for benefits each year. But you can change plans or adjust your coverages during the Medicare open enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. Any changes in coverage kick in on Jan. 1.

When you enroll in Medicare, you will receive a red, white and blue ID card in the mail. This card grants you access to your Medicare benefits.

If you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare, your Medicare card will arrive approximately three months before your 65th birthday.

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Part D plan, you will receive a separate card. You will get two cards if you enroll in both.

Medicare officials advise that it’s a good idea to keep your primary Medicare card handy even if you use a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D card. This will make the transition easier if you ever change plans or go back to using Original Medicare.

Writer Ashley Donohoe contributed to this article.