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 To Sign Up For Medicare Parts A And B (2026 Steps + Penalties + Timelines)

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

😊 How to Sign Up for Medicare Parts A and B (Step-by-Step)

If you’re searching how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B, you’re not alone. A lot of people feel stuck because Medicare has rules, deadlines, and “if this, then that” situations.

This pillar guide explains how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B in plain English—especially if you’re turning 65, losing employer coverage, retiring, or you just want to avoid mistakes.

Quick note (important): You enroll in Part A and Part B through Social Security (not a private insurance company). Social Security handles the application, and Medicare runs the coverage. Social Security+1

Helpful official sites:

Medicare: medicare.gov Medicare+1
Social Security Medicare sign-up: ssa.gov Social Security

Also, if you want help comparing what to do after A & B (like Medigap vs Medicare Advantage), start here: generationhealth.me

🔹 What Parts A and B actually are (simple explanation)

Medicare has “parts.” Here’s the plain version:

Part A (Hospital Insurance): Helps pay for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care (limited), hospice, and some home health.
Part B (Medical Insurance): Helps pay for doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, and many medical supplies.

Most people should not “guess” on Part B timing—Part B is where penalties and gaps happen most often. Medicare+1

And yes—this page is about how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B (the enrollment step), not picking Part D or Advantage yet. We’ll still cover what usually comes next.

Internal help links you’ll likely want after this:

Turning 65 checklist (NC): generationhealth.me/turning-65-medicare-enrollment-n-c
Compare Medicare Advantage in NC: generationhealth.me/how-to-compare-medicare-advantage-plans-in-north-carolina
Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: https://generationhealth.me/medigap-plans-in-north-carolina-plan-g-vs-plan-n/
Local help: generationhealth.me/medicare-agent-near-me-in-north-carolina
Free quotes: generationhealth.me//free-medicare-quotes-online/

📄 How to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B during your Initial Enrollment Period

Your first big window is called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). It lasts 7 months:

3 months before the month you turn 65
your birthday month
3 months after your birthday month CMS+1
Step-by-step (most common situation)
1. Go to Social Security’s Medicare enrollment page (ssa.gov) and start the online application. Social Security
2. Choose whether you’re enrolling in Part A & Part B, or Part A only (some people delay Part B—more on that below). Social Security
3. Submit the application and save confirmation details.
If your goal is how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B with the least stress, the easiest path is enrolling online through Social Security. Social Security

✅ Penalty percentages (what they are and how they’re calculated)

Penalties are real, and they can follow you for a long time—so let’s make this simple.

Part B late enrollment penalty (common)

If you delay Part B and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, your Part B premium can go up 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn’t. Medicare

Example (easy math):

If you delayed 2 full years, that’s 20% added to your Part B premium. Medicare

Part A late enrollment penalty (only for people who must pay for Part A)

Most people get premium-free Part A. But if you must pay for Part A and you delay it, Medicare can raise your Part A premium 10%, and you may pay that penalty for twice the number of years you delayed. Medicare

Bottom line: If you’re confused, don’t “wait and see.” Get your dates straight first—then enroll the right way.

Most people start here to compare options privately — no contact info, no obligation, and no enrollment required.

😊 Comparison tables (which enrollment path fits you?)

Table 1: Common situations and what to do

Your situation	What to do	Why it matters
Turning 65 and NOT working	Enroll Part A + Part B during IEP	Avoid delays & penalties CMS
Working past 65 with employer group health plan	You may delay Part B	You might qualify for SEP and avoid penalties Medicare+1
Losing job-based coverage	Enroll Part B using the “losing coverage” steps	Prevent gaps and penalties Medicare
Missed your IEP and no SEP	Use General Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31 for Part B)	Coverage timing can be delayed Medicare

Table 2: “Part A only” vs “Part A + Part B”

Choice	Usually best for	Watch-outs
Part A only	People working with qualifying employer coverage	Don’t delay Part B unless you truly qualify Medicare+1
Part A + Part B	Most people retiring at/near 65	Sets you up for Medigap/Advantage choices next

💼 Can you delay Medicare enrollment if you’re working?

Yes, but only in certain situations. If your employer has 20 or more employees, delaying Part B may be allowed without penalty. Smaller employer plans often require enrollment at 65 to avoid future premium increases.

⚠️ Are there penalties for late Medicare enrollment?

Yes. Late enrollment can result in permanent premium penalties and delayed coverage start dates. If you miss your initial window, you may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period, which can create months without coverage.

📄 What documents are required to sign up for Medicare?

Basic identification information is usually enough. Those delaying Part B due to job-based insurance may need employer verification forms. Preparing documents ahead of time ensures a smoother Medicare enrollment process.

🟢 Here’s what we see (real-world patterns)

When people ask us about how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B, most are dealing with one of these stress points:

“My employer plan says I’m covered—so do I still need Part B?”
“I don’t want a penalty, but I also don’t want to pay for something I don’t need.”
“I missed my window… now what?”
“I enrolled in Part A but forgot Part B—can I fix it?”

That’s normal. Medicare is simple once your dates and work coverage are clear.

⚠️ What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment deadline?

Missing your enrollment window can mean lifelong penalties and delayed coverage. You may need to wait for the General Enrollment Period, which can leave gaps in care. Understanding enrollment deadlines early helps protect both your health access and long-term costs.

😊 Explicit explanations (no jargon)

Who actually signs you up?

You sign up for Part A and Part B through Social Security (online, by phone, or at an office). Social Security+1

Medicare vs Social Security (quick difference)

Social Security: takes the application and handles enrollment for A & B
Medicare: provides the coverage and the rules

Do I automatically get enrolled?

Some people are automatically enrolled if they’re already getting certain Social Security benefits, but many people still need to actively enroll. (If you’re unsure, checking your SSA account is the fastest way to confirm.) USAGov+1

🧩 Enrollment timelines (the dates that matter)

Here are the “big three” enrollment periods to remember:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7 months around turning 65 CMS+1
Special Enrollment Period (SEP): often when you have qualifying job coverage and then lose it (this is where forms like CMS-L564 can show up) Medicare
General Enrollment Period (GEP): if you missed your chance and don’t qualify for SEP (Jan 1–Mar 31 for Part B) Medicare

If you’re working past 65, Medicare even has a plain-language page explaining how job coverage can affect when you enroll. Medicare

This is where most people begin when they want to compare options quietly — no contact info, no obligation, and no enrollment required.

🔧 In our experience (what makes enrollment go smoothly)

The smoothest enrollments happen when you do three things:

Write down your key dates (birthday month, retirement date, coverage end date).
Confirm your work coverage type (group plan vs retiree plan vs COBRA—these can change your options). Social Security+1
Enroll with a plan (don’t rely on “I’ll do it later”).

If you want a simple next step after you finish the A & B enrollment, use: generationhealth.me//free-medicare-quotes-online/

❌ What most sites get wrong

A lot of websites oversimplify Medicare and say things like: “Just enroll at 65.”
Here’s what that misses:

Some people should enroll in Part B at 65.
Some people can delay Part B if they have the right job-based coverage. Medicare+1
Some people miss their window and need a Plan B (GEP or an exceptional SEP path). Medicare

That’s why the real question isn’t just “when do I enroll?” It’s how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B based on your coverage situation.

😊 Common outcomes (what usually happens after you enroll)

After your Part A and Part B are active, people usually do one of these:

Choose a Medicare Advantage plan (often includes extras like dental/vision in some plans)
Or keep Original Medicare and add a Medigap plan (help with out-of-pocket costs)
Add Part D if needed for prescriptions

North Carolina resources:

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 8287613324 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.

If you’re just looking to double-check your options, most people start here — you can compare privately with no contact info, no obligation, and no enrollment required.

📊 Medicare Parts A & B Enrollment Chart

Category	Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)	Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
What it covers	Inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing, hospice, limited home health	Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, medical equipment
Who should enroll	Almost everyone eligible for Medicare	Anyone without qualifying employer coverage
Automatic enrollment	Yes, if receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement	Yes, if receiving benefits (unless actively declined)
How to sign up	Social Security (online, phone, or office)	Social Security (online, phone, or office)
When to enroll	Initial Enrollment Period at age 65	Initial Enrollment Period unless delaying due to work
Monthly premium (most people)	$0 for those with enough work credits	Standard premium set annually
Can you delay without penalty?	Rarely necessary to delay	Yes, if covered by a large employer plan
Late enrollment penalty	Yes, if not eligible for premium-free Part A	Yes — permanent premium increase
Coverage start timing	Depends on enrollment month	Depends on enrollment month
Common mistake	Assuming enrollment is automatic	Delaying without valid employer coverage

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.

😊 Who this is for

This guide is for you if:

You’re turning 65 and you feel overwhelmed
You’re retiring soon and don’t want a gap
You’re working past 65 and unsure about Part B
You missed your window and want to fix it
You want to avoid penalties and do it right the first time Medicare+1

And if you came here specifically for how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B, you’re exactly in the right place.

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.