How to Check on the Status of Your Medicare Application

It can take anywhere from 45 to 90 days for Medicare to process your enrollment application, depending on what part of Medicare you’re applying for.

In the meantime, there are four different ways you can check on your Medicare application status, which we outline below.

To check your Medicare enrollment status, you have a few options:

• Check your application status by logging into your MyMedicare.gov account.
• Call Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and talk to a professional.
• Use your My Social Security Account to check medicare status.
• Visit your local social security office.

If you're interested in comparing Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans, which are an alternative way to receive your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) benefits, you can view plans online, including what they cover, how much they cost, what drugs they may cover and whether your doctor is part of the plan network.

If you find a plan that fits your needs, you can enroll online or call to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

1. Check Your Application Status Online at MyMedicare.gov

MyMedicare is the online account system for Medicare beneficiaries that is operated by the official government website for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). 

If you already have a MyMedicare account, log in and visit the “Check enrollment” page. Here’s where you can perform a Medicare status check and see information about your benefits including the status of your application. 

If you do not yet have a MyMedicare account, you may create an account online through www.medicare.gov, the official website of Medicare.

2. Check Your Status Online With Your My Social Security Account

My Social Security is an online portal where you can view the status of your Social Security and Medicare applications. If you don’t already have one, you can create your My Social Security account online.

Once you’re logged in, you may see an option labeled “Your benefit application,” under which you can select “View Details.” 

3. Call Medicare or the Social Security Administration to Check Your Application Status

You may conduct a Medicare status check over the phone by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Simply follow the automated prompts to check the status of an application or to speak with a representative. 

You may be able to check the status of your application by speaking to Medicare customer service by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). 

4. Visit Your Local Social Security Office

You may also check the status of your Medicare application in person by visiting your local Social Security office. You can use the SSA.gov online directory to enter your zip code and locate the Social Security office nearest you. 

Information About Your Medicare Application Status

Some of the information you may be able to see concerning your Medicare application status includes:

• The date your Medicare application was received
• Requests for additional documents
• The address of the Social Security office that is processing your application
• Whether or not a decision has been made about your application

Once a decision has been made about your application, Medicare will mail you a letter announcing its decision about your enrollment. If your application is accepted, you will receive your Medicare card in the mail as well along with your Welcome to Medicare packet. 

The Medicare Application Process for Those Who Are Automatically Qualified

Many people don’t have to do anything to apply for Medicare. If you begin receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, that filing serves as your Medicare application and will trigger your Medicare enrollment. You will be automatically enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, and a Welcome to Medicare guide and your Medicare card will be mailed to your home.

Medicare Part B is optional. If you qualify for automatic enrollment then you will be automatically enrolled in Part B as well, and the instructions for opting out of Part B will be included in your Welcome to Medicare packet. 

Checking the Application Status of a Private Medicare Plan

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) are plans that are sold by private insurance carriers who contract with Medicare to offer additional or supplemental benefits.

Each carrier may have a different timeline for application processing, and anyone wishing to check on the status of an application should contact the carrier directly.