It is possible to apply for Medicare online. Medicare application periods are called Open Enrollment periods. Open Enrollment happens during the same dates every year and is established as a way to keep the process as simple and consistent for U.S. residents as possible. The enrollment process for Medicare Parts A, B, C and D is similar for each part albeit not exactly the same. 

Online enrollment requirements apply to every applicant. Four main enrollment periods exist each year as well. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins seven months prior to your sixty-fifth birthday and extends three months beyond it. General Enrollment is held for Medicare Advantage and lasts from January 1 through March 31 each year.

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is held between February 15 and May 15 each year for those who missed their IEP for qualified reasons. Open Enrollment is held from October 15 through December 7 every year and is used for making changes to already existing Medicare plans and adding new plans.

All Medicare applicants are required to have an active account with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

People receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) are required to provide all relative SSDI documentation when enrolling for Medicare plans online. 

Other required documentation is standard and includes proof of citizenship, residence and a valid Social Security Number (SSN). 

Required information also includes your driver’s license or state-issued photo identification, resident alien number (when applicable) and your telephone number. 

Online applications are submitted through the Medicare.gov website. Contact your local Social Security office by telephone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or in person when possible for additional questions and information.