When and how to apply for Medicare in Michigan
October 1, 2022
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When can I enroll in Medicare in Michigan?
You can apply for Medicare when you turn 65 during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is the 7-month period that begins 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. For example, if your birthday is July 10, your IEP is from April 1 to October 31.
How do I enroll?
To enroll, the first step is to call your local Social Security Administration office or visit Medicare.gov.1 Click here1 for a listing of Social Security office locations in Michigan.
When applying, you must provide the following documents:
- An original or certified copy of your birth certificate,
- W-2 forms you have received over the last two years, and
- Your Social Security card or number.
To enroll in a Medicare Advantage health insurance plan, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and Part B. You can sign up directly with the Medicare Advantage plan of your choice, as long as they are in your service area.
Some people Get Part A and Part B automatically
The Social Security Administration will sign you up for Medicare Parts A and B automatically under the following circumstances:
- You turn 65 and already get Social Security retirement benefits, Railroad Retirement Board Benefits, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
- You’re under 65 and have a disability. You’ll automatically get Part A and Part B coverage 24 months after you start getting disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
- You have ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease). You’ll get Part A and Part B as soon as your Social Security disability benefits begin.
Need more information?
The official federal Medicare website is an excellent source of information and answers to your questions. Visit Medicare.gov.1
1 When you click this link, you will leave the Commonwealth Care Alliance website.
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