Will I be enrolled automatically?
You're enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically if you've been getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for at least four months before you turn 65. Your Welcome to Medicare package, with your Medicare card, comes about three months before your 65th birthday. If you don't want Part B yet, for example because you're still covered at work, follow the instructions in that package to turn it down.
Many Texans aren't enrolled automatically, because they wait past 65 to claim Social Security. If that's you, you have to apply.
How do I apply if I'm not enrolled automatically?
- Online at ssa.gov/medicare. This is usually the fastest way, and you can sign up for Medicare without starting your retirement benefits.
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- In person at a Social Security office. Use the office locator at ssa.gov and schedule an appointment before you go. See where is the Social Security office near me.
Apply about three months before you turn 65 so your coverage starts on time.
When does my sign-up window open and close?
Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months: the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after. If you qualify for Part A without a premium, it starts the first day of your birthday month (or the month before, if your birthday is on the 1st). Part B starts the first of your birthday month if you sign up before that month; otherwise it starts the month after you sign up.
In 2026 the standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month. If you're still working, see do I need Part B if I'm still working.
What's different for Texans?
- TRS and ERS retirees have extra steps, because their retiree health plans depend on Medicare. TRS-Care requires Part B; ERS's HealthSelect Medicare Advantage requires Parts A and B. See TRS-Care, ERS and Medicare.
- Help with costs. If your income is limited, Texas HHSC's Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium. See does Texas Medicaid pay Medicare premiums.
- After you have Parts A and B, you choose how to get your coverage: Original Medicare with a Part D plan and maybe Medigap, or a Medicare Advantage plan. Texas has 214 Medicare Advantage plans open to everyone in 2027, and choices differ by county.
Get help
Once you have Medicare, a licensed insurance agent with Benefits Life can help you compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D plans from the companies they work with, at no cost to you, at (512) 265-6565, TTY 711. You can also see plans in your ZIP code. For the full picture, see turning 65 in Texas.
Related questions
Do I need Part B if I'm still working?
When job-based coverage lets you wait.
Where is the Social Security office near me?
How to find an office and book a visit.
When can I buy Medigap in Texas?
Your one-time Medigap window starts with Part B.
Sources
- Social Security — How do I sign up for Medicare?
- Medicare.gov — When does Medicare coverage start?
- Medicare.gov — Getting Social Security benefits before 65
- Medicare.gov — Avoid late enrollment penalties
- Social Security — Contact Social Security by phone
Frequently asked questions
Do I sign up for Medicare with the State of Texas?
No. Medicare is a federal program, and Social Security handles enrollment in Parts A and B for Texans. Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) handles Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Programs, which can help pay Medicare costs, but it doesn't enroll you in Medicare itself.
When is the best time to sign up?
During your Initial Enrollment Period, the seven months that start three months before the month you turn 65. If you sign up before your birthday month, Part B starts the first day of that month. If you sign up in your birthday month or later, it starts the month after you sign up.
What if I'm under 65 and get disability benefits?
Social Security enrolls you in Medicare automatically after you've received disability benefits for 24 months. People with ALS are enrolled the month their disability benefits start. People with end-stage renal disease apply through Social Security.
What happens if I miss my sign-up window?
You can sign up during the General Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31 each year, and coverage starts the month after you sign up. You may owe a Part B late enrollment penalty of 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't, for as long as you have Part B, unless you had job-based coverage that let you wait.
Medicare in your Texas county
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