Medicare's Open Enrollment Period is underway through December 7. This is an annual opportunity for people with Medicare to review their coverage and, if needed, make changes to their plans.

If you already have Medicare Part A and want to sign up for Part B, you don't have to wait for open enrollment. (Learn more about the various parts at Medicare basics.)

If you are age 65 or older and would like to enroll in Part B during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) because your employer group health plan is ending or ended within the last 8 months, please visit our Sign up for Part B only webpage

You can complete your Medicare Part B Enrollment online. You will electronically sign the online application, so you will need to provide an email address.

If you prefer, you can fax or mail the completed forms - CMS-40B Application for Enrollment in Medicare - Part B (Medical Insurance) and CMS-L564 Request for Employment Information - to your local Social Security office.

Be sure to carefully read the instructions on the forms. Your Part B application may be delayed or rejected if you submit incorrect or incomplete documentation.

Note: When completing the application:

• You should state, "I want Part B coverage to begin (MM/YY)" in the remarks section of the online or paper CMS-40B form with the month and year you want your Part B to start.
• You will need to submit documentation verifying that you have or had coverage through a group health plan (GHP) within the last 8 months through your or your spouse's current employment. Fax, mail, or upload and attach one of the following documents:
  • Income tax returns that show health insurance premiums paid.
  • W-2s reflecting pre-tax medical contributions.
  • Pay stubs that reflect health insurance premium deductions.
  • Health insurance cards with a policy effective date.
  • Explanations of benefits paid by a group health plan.
  • Statements or receipts that reflect payment of health insurance premiums.

Once we process your Part B application, you'll get a new Medicare card in the mail.

While Part A does not generally have a monthly premium, most beneficiaries pay a standard Part B premium, as well as other costs.

The Part B premium will be deducted automatically from your Social Security benefit. If you don't receive Social Security, you'll get a bill from Medicare.

Where to find more information

For more information, read our How to Apply for Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) During Your Special Enrollment Period factsheet. Call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with your Part B enrollment questions.

To learn more about Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7) or if you have other Medicare questions, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Also, our factsheet, Who do I contact - Social Security or Medicare?, provides a chart to find out where to go for help.

Please let your friends and loved ones know about the online, fax, and mail options for signing up for Medicare Part B.

Tags:Medicare