How to Apply for Medicare Part B

Did you previously decline Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period because you had employer coverage or for another reason? Learn when and how to apply for Medicare Part B, avoid late penalties, and get the right coverage for your needs.

What Is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare is government-provided health insurance with two parts:

• Medicare Part A – hospital insurance
• Medicare Part B – medical insurance

Part B helps cover doctor visits, preventive care, outpatient services, and durable medical equipment. According to Medicare.gov, if you previously declined Part B, you can sign up during one of three enrollment windows:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A 7-month window around your 65th birthday (3 months before, birth month, and 3 months after). 
• General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 – March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1.
• Special Enrollment Period (SEP): An 8-month window if you delayed Part B due to employer coverage and that coverage has ended. 

You may also qualify for Medicare earlier than age 65 if you’re receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

How to Apply for Medicare

There are four ways to apply for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) through the Social Security Administration. Choose the method most convenient for you:

1. Apply online at the Social Security Medicare Benefits website.
2. Visit your local Social Security office.
3. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM in all U.S. time zones.
4. Worked for a railroad? Call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.

Need personalized help? Call (623) 223-8884 to speak with a local licensed Connie Health insurance agent who can guide you through enrollment.

Need Help Deciding The Right Medicare Coverage For You?

• Free, unbiased service
• Compare all major plans and carriers
• Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experience

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Already Enrolled in Medicare Part A?

If you have Medicare Part A but previously declined Medicare Part B, you can still sign up for Part B during one of three enrollment periods:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
• General Enrollment Period (GEP)
• Special Enrollment Period (SEP) – if you qualify

The right enrollment window depends on why you delayed Part B.

1. You’re in Your Initial Enrollment Period & Previously Declined Part B

Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months: three months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and three months after the month you turn 65.

According to Social Security, to apply for Part B:

• Complete CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B) and send it to your local Social Security office.

Need help locating your Social Security office or completing CMS-40B? Call (623) 223-8884 to speak with a local licensed insurance agent.

2. You Declined Part B During Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Reasons Other Than Employer Coverage

If you missed your IEP for reasons unrelated to employer coverage, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.

To apply:

• Complete CMS-40B and send it to your local Social Security office.

Not sure which forms are correct for you? Call (623) 223-8884 for assistance.

3. You Declined Part B Because You Had Employer Group Health Coverage

If you delayed Part B due to employer coverage and recently lost it, you qualify for an eight-month Special Enrollment Period after your coverage ends.

To apply (as outlined by Social Security):

• Complete CMS-40B and CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information).
• Upload them online, or fax/mail them to your local Social Security office.
• In the CMS-40B remarks section, write: “I want Part B coverage to begin (MM/YY).”

If your employer cannot complete Section B of CMS-L564, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) notes that you may submit alternative documentation as secondary evidence.

Secondary Evidence Examples:

• Income tax forms showing insurance premiums
• W-2s with pre-tax medical contributions
• Pay stubs with premium deductions
• Health insurance cards with effective dates
• Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) from your former insurer
• Receipts showing premium payments

Agent tip:

“If you’re applying for Medicare Part B after losing employer coverage, make sure your CMS-40B and CMS-L564 forms are filled out completely. Missing details can delay your enrollment or even cause penalties. A licensed insurance agent can walk you through the forms step by step.“

Need guidance? Call (623) 223-8884 to ensure you submit the correct forms and avoid late penalties.

Next Steps: Checking Your Medicare Part B Application Status

After submitting your application, you’ll receive a letter confirming approval, or a denial notice if your application isn’t approved. If you don’t hear back within 45 days, you can check your status by:

1. Logging into your My Social Security account (requires SSN and confirmation number).
2. Visiting your local Social Security office.
3. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
4. Visiting the Check Enrollment page on MyMedicare.gov.

After You’re Enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B

Once enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and you received your Medicare card, review your health needs and consider additional coverage:

Gather Your Health Information:

• Current doctors and specialists
• Prescription medications
• Any extra benefits you need (e.g., dental, vision, hearing, Over-the-Counter (OTC) allowances, telemedicine, transportation, fitness programs)

Compare Medicare Plans:

• Explore Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), and Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies.
• Click Compare Plans or call (623) 223-8884 for a no-cost consultation with a local licensed Medicare insurance agent.

Enroll with Confidence:

A local licensed Medicare insurance agent can meet you in person, over video, or by phone to review your doctors, medications, and budget and find the best-fit plan. 

Know When You Can Make Plan Changes

Your needs can change. Annual reviews during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7) are essential.

You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if:

• You move
• Lose coverage
• Your plan changes its Medicare contract 

Call (623) 223-8884 anytime to see if you qualify.

Bottom line: Applying for Medicare Part B doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Understand your enrollment period, complete the CMS-40B application, and avoid late penalties. If you need help, a licensed Medicare agent can walk you through the process and make sure you get the right coverage for your needs.

Need Help Deciding The Right Medicare Coverage For You?

• Free, unbiased service
• Compare all major plans and carriers
• Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experience

Call Now Compare Plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When can I sign up for Medicare Part B if I missed my Initial Enrollment Period?

If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll each year during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31). Coverage starts the month after you sign up, and you may owe a late penalty unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

How do I apply for Medicare Part B after losing employer coverage?

If you delayed Part B due to employer group health insurance, you have an eight-month Special Enrollment Period after coverage ends. Submit forms CMS-40B and CMS-L564 to your local Social Security office.

Can I apply for Medicare Part B online?

Yes. You can apply for Medicare Part B online through the Social Security Administration’s website by completing CMS-40B and uploading any required employer forms.

What documents do I need to enroll in Medicare Part B?

You may need CMS-40B, CMS-L564, and supporting evidence like pay stubs, W-2s, health insurance cards, or Explanation of Benefits statements if your employer cannot complete the CMS-L564.

How can I check the status of my Medicare Part B application?

You can check your application status by logging into My Social Security, calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or checking the MyMedicare.gov enrollment page.