Once you’re eligible to enroll in Medicare, you’ll either be automatically enrolled or be required to submit an application, depending on your specific situation. Once your application is processed and approved, you’ll start receiving Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) benefits.

However, the processing of your Medicare enrollment application can take up to 45 to 90 days, depending on which part of Medicare you’re applying for. If you’re wondering about the status of your application, there are several ways you can check it.

How to check your Medicare application status

There are five ways you can check on the status of your Medicare application:

Online at MyMedicare.gov

MyMedicare is the online account system for Medicare beneficiaries. You can create a MyMedicare account online through Medicare.gov. Then, you can log in and visit the “Check Enrollment” page to see the status of your application and information about your benefits.

Online through my Social Security

Your my Social Security account provides personalized tools and information, including the ability to view the status of both your Social Security and Medicare applications. You can create an account for free online. Once logged in, click “Your Benefit Application” and select “View Details.”

Call Medicare

Ask a Medicare customer service representative about the status of your application by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Call the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Call 1-800-772-1213 and follow the automated prompts to check the status of your application. Or, you can request to speak directly with a representative.

Visit your local Social Security office

Go in person to your local Social Security office to check the status of your application.

When you check your application status, you’ll be able to see information such as the date your application was received, the address of the Social Security office that’s processing the application, requests for any additional documentation required, and eventually, the decision around your application.

Medicare will then mail you a letter sharing their decision about your enrollment. If accepted, you’ll also receive your Welcome to Medicare packet and red, white, and blue Medicare card.

How to check your private Medicare plan application status

To enroll in a Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan, Part D prescription drug plan, or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan, you must work directly with the private insurance carrier who offers that plan. Typically, you can apply online, fill out and mail in a paper application, or enroll over the phone by calling the plan.

Each plan has different processes and timelines for processing applications, so to learn about the status of your application, you should contact the plan directly. However, in many cases, the timeline is faster than Original Medicare and you may hear sooner.

If you’re still looking for a Medicare plan, our Find a Plan tool makes it easy. Just enter your zip code to start comparing the costs and benefits of Medicare plans in your area.

What if my application is denied?

If you receive a letter saying that your application was denied, it should also include an explanation that will outline the reasons it was not accepted. There will also be instructions for how to appeal the decision.

Reasons your application may be denied include:

• Incomplete application or incorrect information
• You do not qualify based on your age or disability status
• You are not a U.S. citizen or alien who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and residing in the U.S. for five continuous years

You could also receive a denial if you applied for Medicare outside of your Initial Enrollment Period or General Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

If you feel your application was wrongly denied, you can then appeal the decision with Medicare.

How to check your Medicare enrollment status

Once you’ve submitted your application, you will receive a letter confirming your acceptance. If you have questions about your enrollment or benefits, you can:

• Call the SSA
• Visit your local Social Security office
• Log into your my Social Security account online
• Visit the “Check Enrollment” page on Medicare.gov
• Call Medicare

To ensure there’s no gap in coverage and your benefits begin when you’re eligible, try to finalize and send in your paperwork at least two months before your 65th birthday. However, you can enroll at any time during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is the three months before your birthday month, the month you turn 65, and the three months after.

Submitting an application if you automatically qualify for Medicare

When you apply for retirement or disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), that application also serves as your Medicare application. That means if you are receiving Social Security or RRB benefits for at least four months before you turn 65, you’ll automatically get Part A coverage once you’re eligible for Medicare. You’ll also automatically be signed up for Part B.

These benefits will begin on the first day of the month you turn 65.

Or, if you’re eligible for Medicare because of a disability, you’ll automatically get Part A and Part B after receiving disability benefits for 24 months.

When you automatically qualify for Medicare, you do not have to submit an application for enrollment.

How to sign up for Medicare

When you’re eligible to sign up for Medicare, you can enroll:

• Online through your my Social Security account
• Over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213
• In person at your local Social Security office

Or, call the RRB at 1-877-772-5772.

When does Medicare coverage start?

If you qualify for premium-free Part A, it starts on the first day of the month you turn 65.

If you must pay a premium for Part A, your coverage will begin the month after you apply. This is the case for Part B coverage as well.

Answering these questions is easy with a knowledgeable ClearMatch Medicare agent on your side. Call us toll-free at 888-992-0738 to get all your Medicare questions answered.