How Do I Apply for Medicare in Texas?

Whether you’re turning 65 or under 65 and receiving disability, signing up for Medicare in Texas starts with one big question:

Do you need to apply, or will it happen automatically?

We help folks across the country figure this out every day, and the good news is - it’s not as complicated as it seems once you understand the basics.

The process is different depending on whether you're already receiving Social Security benefits or still planning to retire later.

And while Medicare is a federal program, your experience can vary depending on where you live - especially when it comes to plan availability and costs here in Texas.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different paths to enrolling in Medicare, what to expect if you’re under 65 and on disability, and how to make sure you don’t miss your enrollment window.

We’ll also cover some Texas-specific tips and resources to help you make the most of your coverage from day one.

Ways to Apply for Medicare in Texas

If you’re not already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll need to actively apply for Medicare.

The good news is, you’ve got options - and the process is more flexible than most people expect.

Here are three ways to apply.

Option #1: Call the Social Security Administration

You can apply over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213.

This is a good choice if you have questions, want to confirm your eligibility, or need help with paperwork.

Tip from the field: Try calling earlier in the day to avoid long wait times - especially around the start or end of the month.

Option #2: Apply Online at www.ssa.gov

This is often the fastest and easiest way to apply. You can complete your Medicare application online in about 10–15 minutes from home, and you’ll get a confirmation once it’s submitted.

We’ve helped many clients walk through this step, and most are surprised at how quick it is.

Option #3: Visit a Local Social Security Office in Texas

If you prefer to speak with someone in person, you can visit your nearest SSA office.

Be sure to call ahead and make an appointment - some locations may have limited hours or require scheduling in advance.

Not sure if you’re eligible yet? Visit Medicare.gov’s Eligibility Tool - it’s simple, fast, and gives you clear answers based on your birthday and current benefits.

We’ve used this tool with countless Texans - it’s a great way to double-check your timing before applying.

Already Receiving Social Security Benefits?

If you’re already collecting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, here’s some good news - you don’t have to do anything to enroll in Medicare.

You’ll be enrolled automatically in both Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65.

• Your red, white, and blue Medicare card will arrive in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday.
  
• Your coverage will begin on the first day of your birthday month.

(If your birthday is on the 1st of the month, your Medicare will actually start the month before.)

This process happens like clockwork - you don’t need to fill out any forms or call anyone. But here’s the key: just because enrollment is automatic doesn’t mean you’re done.

We always remind our clients: This is the perfect time to start comparing your coverage options - especially if you want to add a Medigap plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental, vision, or prescription coverage.

You’ll want to have that plan lined up so it starts as soon as your Medicare does.

Under Age 65 and Receiving Disability in Texas

If you’re under 65 and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare after 24 consecutive months of disability benefits.

• Your Medicare card will arrive around month 25
  
• Your coverage will begin on the first day of that 25th month

No action is needed on your part - enrollment is handled automatically by Social Security.

Important for Texans Under 65: Know Your Medigap Options

If you’re under 65 and on Medicare due to disability, your Medicare coverage works just like it does for someone over 65.

You can go to any doctor, specialist, or hospital that accepts Medicare - nationwide. There are no network restrictions.

But here’s the catch: Your Medigap (Medicare Supplement) options are more limited in Texas.

• Most companies only offer Plan A to people under 65
  
• Plan A provides basic benefits, but doesn’t cover everything that Plan G or N would
  
• Premiums for under-65 enrollees are often significantly higher

Still, for many Texans living with long-term disability, Medicare is a huge financial relief - especially when frequent doctor visits or ongoing treatments are involved.

And here’s the good news: Once you turn 65, you get a second open enrollment period with full access to all Medigap plans - and no health questions asked.

When Should I Apply?

Timing your Medicare enrollment is critical - and fortunately, the system is pretty straightforward once you know your window.

Your first opportunity to sign up is called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). It’s a 7-month window that surrounds your 65th birthday:

• It begins 3 months before your birthday month
  
• Includes your birthday month
  
• Ends 3 months after
  

For example: If your birthday is in August, your IEP runs from May through November.

Medicare Part D Enrollment in Texas

If you need prescription drug coverage, you’ll want to consider a Medicare Part D plan.

These plans are offered by private insurance companies and help cover the cost of your medications.

You can enroll in a Part D plan:

• During your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
  
• Or during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7 each year
  

Even if you don’t take medications now, it’s smart to enroll in a low-cost plan. If you wait and don’t have other creditable drug coverage, Medicare can apply lifetime penalties that add up over time.

Bottom Line - Know Your Enrollment Path

Here’s the quick summary of how enrollment works:

• Already receiving Social Security? You’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
  
• Not receiving benefits yet? You’ll need to apply manually - by phone, online, or in person.
  
• Receiving disability? You’ll be enrolled after 24 months of SSDI.
  

The earlier you act, the smoother things go. We’ve seen too many people miss their window and end up stuck waiting or paying penalties. Don’t let that happen to you.

Need Some Help?

Whether you're applying for Medicare, choosing between Advantage and Medigap, or just want someone to explain the difference between Parts A, B, and D - we’re here for you.

Call us at 888-414-4547. You don’t have to figure this out alone. We've helped thousands of Texans get the coverage they need - and we can help you too.