Applying for Medicare can be done online

Did you know you can apply online for Medicare even if you are not ready to retire? Social Security can help you make an informed decision about when to apply for benefits based on your individual and family circumstances. Applying online can take less than 10 minutes. There are no forms to sign and usually no required documentation. Social Security will process your application and contact you if more information is needed.

Go to socialsecurity.gov/ benefits/medicare to begin. There, you can apply for Medicare and find other important information. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after that birthday.

Some Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. For more information on Extra Help, read socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10525.pdf.

You may also be interested in reading these publications:

■ Apply Online for Medicare — Even if You Are Not Ready to Retire: socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-0510530.pdf.

■ When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits: socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN0510147.pdf.

Helping a friend or family member with this information can improve the quality of their life. Share these resources with someone you love today.