Ready to enroll in Medicare?
You have seven months to sign up for Medicare – three months before you turn 65th birthday, in the month of your birthday, and in the three months immediately following.
But you must prove your age and eligibility whenever you sign up for Medicare. So, you’ll want to ensure you collect all the necessary documents and information before you start the process. Not sure exactly what documents you’ll need when you sign up for Medicare? Our team has put together this helpful checklist that you can refer to – so you don’t forget anything.
Do you have the required documents to enroll in Medicare?
| You need to provide the following documents. . . | So you can prove it. . . | Information you should know: |
| Your birth certificate Your Social Security Card | You are who you say. Other | r acceptable documents to prove birth may include medical records, insurance, and vaccinations. |
| Certificate of Naturalization or Resident card (Green card) | You are a US citizen or reside documents | s may include a passport or another form of legal document to prove citizenship or lawful residence. If you are not a US citizen, you can present another form of residency such as a green card. |
| W-2 Form | Your work history | These forms are required if you worked for two years before enrolling in Medicare. |
| Statement from the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS): | You receive a federal pension | |
| Your statement from SSA.gov | Your Social Security work credit | |
| Discharge papers | Your US Military Service | Provide this document if you served in the US military before 1968. |
| Name(s) and Social Security Numbers for: -all spouses, past or present; -children under 18 years old | Immediate members of your family | Name(s) and Social Security Number(s) are also required for your children with disabilities, up to age 22 |
Received Social Security or disability benefits?
There is no need to provide any other documentation when you sign up for Medicare.
Gathering all this information can take time and effort. But it can ensure a smoother process when it comes time to enroll in Medicare. If you have questions or need help, visit medicare.gov.
Are any additional documents required to enroll in a certain part of Medicare?
The documents listed above are required when enrolling in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). Medicare Part A and Part B are original Medicare when taken together.
To be eligible to receive coverage through any additional Medicare Parts, you must first sign up for Original Medicare. The other Medicare Parts include:
- Also referred to as Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part C is a health insurance choice offered to eligible individuals.
- Prescription drug coverage known as Medicare Part D
- Medicare Supplement Insurance, or “Medigap,” is designed to help cover expenses that Original Medicare does not cover.
How do I find documents if I’ve lost my copies?
If you’re looking to apply for Medicare but don’t have the necessary documents, you should begin obtaining new copies immediately. Follow the below steps if you need to get new copies of any documents.
Birth certificates
The Vital Records Office Trusted Source of the state you were born in can provide you with a copy of your birth certificate. The processes and fees for each state vary, so follow the instructions on the respective site.
Moreover, if you require faster delivery of your birth certificate, you may be able to do so; however, many states may require you to submit proof of identification or a signed request form to do this for an extra fee.
Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship
To receive a duplicate of your Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship, you can submit Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form can be completed on the web or sent through postal mail.
You will be required to pay a fee of $555 and present two identical, passport-style photographs of yourself to complete and submit this form. Additionally, if your document was lost, you must submit a sworn statement; if it was stolen, you must submit a police report.
Permanent Resident Card
To obtain a new Permanent Resident Card, one must fill out Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This form can be completed online or via mail.
An application for a fee of $455 and an extra $85 biometrics fee is required. Additionally, a copy of an official government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, must also be included with the application.
Military service records
The process can be done online or by mail to acquire a copy of your military records. No fees are associated with gaining access to your documents.
When submitting your form, it must be delivered to the military branch in which you served. Along with your request, the necessary information that needs to be provided includes:
- Your date of birth
- Your Social Security number
- The name you used while serving
- Your service dates
Earnings statements
Creating a My Social Security account is necessary to get an earnings statement from Social Security. In addition, this statement can be viewed online and printed for mailing along with your application.
What should I do if I am unable to get copies?
