Do I need both Medicare Part A and B?

Most people need both Part A and B for full coverage. Part A is usually premium-free, but Part B comes with a monthly premium. Declining Part B can cause late penalties if you enroll later without credible coverage.

Can I get help signing up for Medicare?

Yes. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also speak with a licensed Medicare agent for free, personalized help comparing plan options.

How Do I Sign Up For Medicare Parts A And B? Step-by-Step Enrollment Guide

How Do I Sign Up for Medicare Parts A and B? Step-by-Step Enrollment Guide

Signing up for Medicare Parts A and B doesn’t have to feel confusing. Whether you’re turning 65, retiring soon, or already have coverage through work, understanding how Medicare enrollment really works can save you time, stress, and money. Below, I’ll walk you through exactly where to sign up, what you’ll need, and how Medicare Part A and Part B work with supplemental, Advantage, and special needs plans — so you can make the best choice for your health

Where to Sign Up for Medicare Parts A and B

If you’re already receiving Social Security → automatic enrollment.
If not → you apply manually through SSA.
Include direct link: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/
Include phone numbers:
- Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- Medicare helpline: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- For personalized help: “You can also reach out to us at +18287613324 and a licensed Medicare agent like me for free, unbiased assistance with comparing your plan options.”

What Documents Do You Need to Sign Up for Medicare?

Proof of age and identity (driver’s license or passport)
Social Security number
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
Employer or union coverage info (if applicable)
Veteran VA member number along with or Tricare or Tricare for Life

How Medicare Part A and B Work

Part A (Hospital Insurance) – Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing, hospice, and limited home health.
Part B (Medical Insurance) – Covers doctor visits, preventive care, labs, imaging, outpatient surgery.

Medicare Part A vs Part B: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Medicare Part A	Medicare Part B
Also Called	Hospital Insurance	Medical Insurance
What It Covers	Inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility, hospice, limited home health	Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab tests, imaging, medical equipment
Premium	Usually free for most who paid Medicare taxes 10+ years	Monthly premium (varies by income)
Deductible (2025 est.)	$1,716 per benefit period	$288 per year
Coinsurance	0% after deductible for first 60 days of inpatient stay	20% of Medicare-approved amount for most services
How You Enroll	Automatically if receiving Social Security; otherwise apply through SSA	Same process as Part A (SSA.gov or 1-800-772-1213)

How A & B Work With Other Medicare Options

Coordinating Medicare A & B With Other Coverage

Medigap (Supplemental Plans): fills the “gaps” in A & B (deductibles, coinsurance).
Medicare Advantage (Part C): replaces A & B, usually adds prescription, dental, vision.
Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNP): for specific chronic conditions (like diabetes, COPD, heart failure).
Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP): for people with both Medicare and Medicaid.

Coverage Option	How Parts A & B Work	What This Setup Is Like
Original Medicare Only	Part A helps with hospital stays. Part B helps with doctor visits and tests. You pay deductibles and about 20% for many services.	Simple and widely accepted. No built-in limit on yearly out-of-pocket costs. Good if you rarely use care and want to keep it basic.
Original Medicare + Part D (Drugs)	Parts A & B work the same as above. Part D adds coverage for prescriptions.	Hospital, doctor, and drug coverage are all in place. Still no cap on A & B costs in a bad year. Good if you want drug coverage but don’t want extra medical coverage yet.
Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D	A & B pay first for covered services. Medigap helps pay deductibles and most of the 20% share. Part D covers prescriptions.	Very predictable medical bills. You can see almost any doctor who takes Medicare. Monthly premiums are higher, but surprise bills are lower. Good if you use a lot of care or want maximum flexibility.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)	You still have Parts A & B. Your care is handled by the Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare. Most plans include drug coverage.	Often lower or $0 extra premium (you still pay Part B). Has a yearly maximum on what you pay for A & B services. Must use the plan’s network and follow its rules. Good if you like managed care and lower upfront premiums.
Medicare + Employer/Retiree Plan	A & B provide basic hospital and medical coverage. Employer/retiree plan may pay after Medicare and/or cover drugs.	Can lower your costs compared to Medicare alone. Rules differ from employer to employer. Good if you have retiree benefits and want to keep them.

Friendly reminder: These are general examples. Plan details and costs vary. Always check your actual plan documents or visit Medicare.gov, SSA.gov, or speak with a licensed advisor before making changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Parts A and B

1. When should I sign up for Medicare Parts A and B?

You can enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after your 65th birthday month. If you’re already receiving Social Security, enrollment usually happens automatically.

2. How do I apply for Medicare if I’m not receiving Social Security yet?

If you’re not collecting Social Security benefits, you’ll need to apply manually. You can do this online at ssa.gov/benefits/medicare, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

3. What documents do I need to sign up for Medicare?

You’ll typically need:

Proof of age and identity (driver’s license or passport)
Social Security number
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
Employer or union insurance information, if applicable

4. Do I need both Part A and Part B?

Yes — most people enroll in both. Part A covers hospital stays, and Part B covers outpatient care like doctor visits and preventive services. Declining Part B without other creditable coverage can lead to late enrollment penalties later.

5. How do Medicare Supplement and Advantage plans fit with Parts A and B?

Medigap (Supplemental) plans help pay deductibles and coinsurance left over from Parts A and B.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans replace Original Medicare with all-in-one coverage that may include prescription drugs, dental, and vision.

6. Can I get help choosing the right Medicare coverage?

Absolutely. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for general help, or reach out to a licensed Medicare agent like Rob Simm at GenerationHealth.me for personalized, no-cost assistance comparing plans and benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing your Initial Enrollment Period
Not understanding penalties
Choosing the wrong secondary coverage
Working with a call center vs a local licensed health insurance broker
Asking family and friends for advice
Asking your providers or office staff for advice
Read our post if you happen to add in-correct information to your Medicare Application

About the Author

Rob Simm is a licensed U.S. health insurance advisor and founder of GenerationHealth.me, specializing in Medicare, ACA Marketplace coverage, and supplemental health plans. With years of hands-on experience helping individuals, families, and seniors navigate complex insurance choices, Rob focuses on simplifying coverage options, breaking down costs, and guiding clients toward plans that truly fit their needs.

He is certified annually with top national carriers, trained in CMS compliance standards, and actively supports clients across North Carolina, Virginia, and multiple U.S. regions. Rob is known for his clear explanations, data-driven approach, and commitment to ethical, transparent insurance guidance.

When he’s not helping people compare plans or lower healthcare costs, Rob continues researching federal updates, Medicare rule changes, and marketplace trends to ensure every article at GenerationHealth.me reflects the most accurate, current information available.

For personalized help with Medicare or Marketplace coverage, connect with Rob at GenerationHealth.me.

📍 Based in North Carolina | ☎️ (828)761-3324 | ✉️ Contact Rob

⚖️ Compliance & Trust Disclaimer

Information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice.
Plan availability, premiums, and benefits may vary by location and carrier.
Always verify specific details with a licensed insurance professional or directly with Medicare.gov before enrolling.
GenerationHealth.me and Robert Simm are independent agents and not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.