faq's

Qualifications for Original Medicare are determined by the federal government. 

You may qualify if you:  

• Are age 65 or older OR are under age 65 and have certain disabilities. 
• Are a Citizen of the U.S. OR a Legal Resident for at least 5 consecutive years 
• Have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) OR Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) 

You must apply for Medicare benefits through the Social Security Administration. Choose from three easy options to enroll in Original Medicare:  
1.  Go to your local Social Security Office in person

• Social Security Office Locator: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp 

2. Apply online at: 

• https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/ 

3. Call Social Security Office 

• 1-800-772-1213/ TTY 800-325-0778. 
• Local League City Office:  1-866-299-3254

If you have questions during the process, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213/ TTY 800-325-0778.   

This seven-month window allows newly eligible individuals to apply for Medicare. The enrollment period opens 3 months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month and closes 3 months after you turn 65. Other enrollment periods and exceptions may be applied. These exceptions are determined by Medicare.  

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up during Medicare's General Enrollment Period (GEP) from January 1-March 31 and will start July 1.

If you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits, you will have to pay Medicare directly for Part B coverage. Once you are collecting Social Security, the premiums will be deducted from your monthly benefit payment.