How do I sign up for Medicare in Oregon?

If you're enrolled automatically

People who already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits are enrolled in Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month they turn 65. Your red, white and blue Medicare card comes in the mail. You can keep Part B or follow the card's instructions to turn it down, for example if you're still covered by an employer plan from current work.

If you need to sign up

1. Pick your timing. Your Initial Enrollment Period runs 7 months: the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, that month and the 3 months after. Sign up in the months before your birthday month so coverage starts on time.
2. Apply with Social Security. Online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or at a local office. Have your Social Security number and any current health coverage details ready.
3. Using a Special Enrollment Period? If you're leaving employer coverage after 65, send form CMS-40B (application for Part B) and CMS-L564 (proof of employer coverage), which your employer completes.
4. Watch for your card. Once approved, you get your Medicare card and number. Keep them handy for the next step.
5. Choose how you get your coverage. Stay with Original Medicare and add a Part D drug plan and, if you want, a Medigap policy; or join a Medicare Advantage plan. You can join a plan during the same 7-month window.

Oregon details

• Medigap: your 6-month Medigap open enrollment starts the month your Part B begins and you're 65 or older. During it, companies selling in Oregon can't turn you down or charge more for health reasons (OAR 836-052-0138).
• Oregon Health Plan members: you still sign up for Medicare. OHP keeps helping with costs Medicare doesn't cover, and you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Report changes through ONE Oregon at one.oregon.gov or 1-800-699-9075.
• State retirees: PEBB and OEBB retiree medical coverage ends when you become eligible for Medicare. See PEBB and Medicare and OEBB and Medicare.

Plan choices depend on your county: see Medicare in your Oregon county. For help choosing, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048). Our turning 65 in Oregon guide walks through the whole year before your birthday.

Related questions

Sources

• Social Security — Sign up for Medicare
• Medicare.gov — How do I sign up for Medicare?
• Medicare.gov — When does Medicare coverage start?
• OAR 836-052-0138 — Medicare supplement open enrollment (Oregon)
• OAR 101-050-0010 — PEBB retiree eligibility

More questions in this guide

• Can I get Medicare before 65 if I'm on disability in Oregon?
• Do I need Medicare Part B if I'm still working at 65 in Oregon?
• What happens if I miss Medicare enrollment in Oregon?
• What happens to my Medicare plan if I move to Oregon?
• What happens to my Medicare if I move out of Oregon?
• When should I sign up for Medicare if I'm turning 65 in Oregon?

Part of the guide: Medicare enrollment periods in Oregon · All questions

Frequently asked questions

Medicare in your Oregon county

Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Multnomah · Washington · Clackamas · Lane · Marion · Jackson · Deschutes · Linn · Douglas · Yamhill · Benton · Polk · Josephine · Umatilla · Klamath · Coos · Columbia · Lincoln · Clatsop · Malheur · All 36 counties →