Important:
If you don’t want Part B, follow the instructions that come with the card, and send the card back. If you keep the card, you keep Part B and will pay Part B
Premium. See
Help deciding if you need to sign up for Part B.
Do you have ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease)? If you do, you automatically get Part A and Part B the month your disability benefits begin.
Do you live in Puerto Rico and get benefits from Social Security or the RRB? If so, you will automatically get Part A. If you want Part B, you will need to sign up for it. Contact your local Social Security office or RRB for more information.
Do you have Part A and TRICARE (insurance for active duty military or retirees and their families)? If you do, you must have Part B to keep your TRICARE coverage. See
Help deciding if you need to sign up for Part B: TRICARE section.
Some People Need to Sign Up for Medicare Part A and Part B
Are you close to 65, but not getting Social Security or
Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits?
Are you close to 65, but not getting Social Security or
Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits? If you aren’t
getting Social Security or RRB benefits (for example, because
you’re still working) and you want Part A or Part B, you
will need to sign up (even if you’re eligible to get Part A
premium-free). If you’re not eligible for premium-free Part A, you can buy Part A and Part B.
Contact Social Security 3 months before you turn 65. If you
worked for a railroad, contact the RRB to sign up.