How to Check Your Medicare Application Status Online

Many people will be automatically enrolled in Medicare coverage. This will typically happen when receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits for at least 4 months before he/she turns 65. It can also occur for those under 65 who have received disability benefits for 24 months from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.  

However, those not automatically enrolled must go through the application process. The application process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few prerequisite steps. 

The first step is to determine your eligibility. Those eligible for Medicare include those who: 

— Are age 65 or older

— Have permanent kidney failure

— Under 65 and receive disability benefits

— Receive Railroad Retirement Board benefits

For more information on using these online tools for Medicare eligibility confirmation, check out this guide from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

If you fit into one of these categories of eligibility, the next step is to gather the required documents for applying, which include:

— Proof of age (such as birth certificate)

— Proof of citizenship or lawful presence (such as passport or green card)

— Employment history (such as a W-2)

— Marriage information

— Proof of military service history

 — Health status

— Any past Social Security benefit claims

Once you have confirmed eligibility and gathered all necessary documents, it’s time to apply. This can be done online on the Social Security Administration website or in person at your local Social Security office. Watch our video that shows you exactly how to do this here. 

As mentioned above, Original Medicare applications will then go into the processing stage. This means the administration reviews your application to determine whether you are approved or denied. Without hearing any additional details or waiting too long, you likely want to know the status of your application. Moreover, it is a good idea to keep a close eye on the status in case you need to provide additional details or documentation. 

There are a few different ways to check the status of your Medicare application, which include:

— Through your online Medicare account

— Online through your Social Security account

— Calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213

— Visit your local Social Security office branch

Firstly, let’s cover how to use online methods to check your application status. We will give you a step-by-step breakdown of how to locate the right page.

Visit the Check Enrollment Page on Your Online Medicare Account

1- Start by heading to www.medicare.gov

2- Click “Log in/create an account” in the top right

2a- Create an account if you don’t have one already

3- Log in to your account

4- Click the “Check enrollment” page

5- This page should display the status of your application and any other information about your benefits

Check Your Application on Your Online Social Security Account

1- Head to www.ssa.gov

2- Click on “Check application or appeal status” in the top central banner

3- Sign in or follow the steps to create an account

4- Select “Your benefit application”

5- Click on “View Details”

6- This page should display the current status of your application

Alternative Methods for Checking Application Status

Call Medicare – You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to have a professional help you check your application status. Alternatively, you may be able to determine the status by calling Medicare customer service at 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).

Visit Your Local Social Security Branch – Head to your local Social Security office for a representative to help check your application status. Bring relevant paperwork and documentation for the most efficient service.

A Medicare Advantage plan offers parts A and B as an alternative to original Medicare. However, it is different because it is offered through a private company. If you want to check the status of Medicare Advantage, you should contact the company that is offering the plan or your broker. 

Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage. Like Advantage, it is offered through a private company, and application status should be checked with them.

Various factors can cause an application to be delayed or denied, including:

— Incomplete or incorrect information

— Eligibility issues

— Applying outside enrollment times

— Documentation missing or incorrect

— Technical problems

— Overlapping health insurance coverage

Residency issues

In most cases, you will receive a letter from Medicare or the Social Security office detailing any issues with your application and how to resolve them. Unfortunately, some technical errors may go unnoticed, so you should be sure to keep an eye on the status of your application. If it seems like the application has been in processing too long, it could be a good idea to call or visit your local branch for personal help. 

Follow the above steps, and you will receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail before you know it!

Where Can I Check the Status of My Medicare Application?

You can check the status of your application online through Medicare.gov and ssa.gov. If you want to speak to a representative, contact the Social Security Administration by phone or visit your local Social Security office. 

Where Can I Check the Status of My Medicare Advantage or Part D Application?

Medicare Advantage and Part D are offered by private companies. To check the status of your application, contact the company offering the plan or your broker. 

Do I Need an Account to Check the Status of My Application? 

Yes, you will need a Medicare or Social Security Administration account to check your application status on either site. 

Applying to Medicare can sound like a whirlwind of steps, but it’s more straightforward than it appears. Look at our Medicare Basics to learn more. Ensure you verify your application for accuracy and provide all the correct documentation for the most efficient application process. Then, make sure to regularly check your application status to ensure there are no errors or technical problems. Stay on top of your application, and don’t be afraid to call or visit your local branch if you think it has been too long.