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By Lizna Odhwani

Did you know that you can apply for Medicare online, even if you are not ready to retire? And it takes less than 10 minutes! There are no forms to sign and usually no required documentation. To apply for Medicare and find other important information, visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare.

If you want to start receiving Medicare at age 65, you must apply for Medicare no earlier than three months before your 65th birthday and no later than three months after that birthday. We refer to this six-month window of opportunity to apply for Medicare as your initial enrollment period.

Some Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for Extra Help to pay for the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and co-payments related to the Medicare Prescription Drug program. You must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia to qualify for the Extra Help. For more information on Extra Help, visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp.

Help a friend or family member by sharing this information. The Social Security programs are here for those who need them.

Lizna Odhwani is a Social Security public affairs specialist in Virginia. Contact her at Lizna.Odhwani@ssa.gov.