Apply Online for Medicare
Use this online application to sign up for Medicare. It takes less than 10 minutes. You can apply for Medicare even if you are not ready to retire. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if it needs more information. Otherwise you’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail.
Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
Now, you can help someone you care about apply for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited resources and income also may be able to get Extra Help to pay for the costs' monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments' related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. The extra help is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year. This page is designed to provide information to caregivers about possibly saving on their prescription drug costs.
Medicare
Medicare is a national health insurance program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance), and Part D (Prescription Drugs). This article contains more information on Medicare including who can receive it, the costs to get Medicare and how to apply for Medicare.
Medicare and Medicaid Information from AARP
This site provides comprehensive information on Medicare.
Medicare Part D
Prior to 2006, Medicare paid for some drugs administered during a hospital admission (under Medicare Part A), or a doctor’s office (under Medicare Part B). Medicare did not cover outpatient prescription drugs until January 1, 2006, when it implemented the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, authorized by Congress under the "Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003." This Act is generally known as the "MMA." This website provides a detailed description of Part D, the decisions that need to be made and the issues to watch for.
People with Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace
The new Health Insurance Marketplace will NOT affect their Medicare coverage. This document includes frequently asked questions about Medicare the Health Insurance Marketplace.