Medicare Eligibility, Applications, and Appeals
Find information about Medicare, how to apply, report fraud, and submit complaints.
What help is available?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people:
Age 65 or older
Under 65 with certain disabilities
Any age with end-stage renal disease. This is permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Medicare has four parts:
Part A is hospital insurance.
Part B is medical insurance.
Part C Medicare Advantage Plans are a private insurance option for covering hospital and medical costs.
Part D covers prescription medications.
Medicare is managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The Social Security Administration works with CMS by enrolling people in Medicare.
Am I eligible?
To find out when you are eligible, you need to answer a few questions and learn how to calculate your premium.
If you are eligible, learn about the enrollment period.
How do I apply?
There are several ways to enroll in Medicare:
Before you apply, learn about your coverage options. Decide if you want Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Or, find out how to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).
Determine if you want coverage for prescription drugs.
Next, use the Medicare Plan Finder Tool and search to find more accurate cost estimates and coverage information.
Apply online for Medicare only if you’re not ready to also begin receiving your Social Security benefits.
Apply in person for Medicare at your local Social Security office.
How do I check the status of my application?
How do I complain or appeal a Medicare decision?
Learn the different ways to file a complaint about Medicare.
You can submit feedback about your Medicare health plan or prescription drug plan. Submit it to Medicare using the online complaint form.
Get information on how to file an appeal for a coverage or payment decision.
How do I report fraud?
Learn where and how to report suspected Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse.
Who do I contact for extra help?
For questions about billing or other information, contact Medicare by phone or mail.
Is there anything else I need to know?
If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B when you're first eligible and decide to enroll later, you'll pay a penalty for as long as you're enrolled in Part B.
You do not need to sign up for Medicare each year. But each year, you will have a chance to review your coverage and change plans.
Learn more about your plan and benefits by creating a myMedicare.gov account.
