Mary Jo Heins, Medicare Insurance Help

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is tasked with enrollment for: 

• Social Security Retirement Benefits 
• Social Security Disability 
• Medicare 

in addition to administering the Social Security programs. 

If you search online for average enrollment times for Medicare, most sources say 2-6 weeks. The “party line” given by SSA representatives (reading from a script) is 60 days. 

Here’s what’s really happening (June of 2025): 

The problems and delays at SSA are worse now than at any time in the 14 years I’ve been assisting people with Medicare! This may be due to the post-Covid employment climate or government service cuts. 

Regardless of the cause, you should allow 2-3 MONTHS to have your Medicare enrollment processed. 

Recently my clients have experienced lost applications and the inability to contact SSA via phone or in person. One client submitted her paperwork in person on April 1 and was told on May 23 that it was misplaced and would now be processed. That admission followed numerous inquiries from the applicant. 

Another client waited to start the enrollment process until one week before he needed Medicare to be effective. Alas, it would take a miracle for him to receive his Medicare number in one short week. 

Getting a Medicare number can be the most difficult aspect of the Medicare enrollment process. A Medicare number and Part A & B coverage, issued by SSA , are prerequisites to enrolling in either Medicare Advantage or a Medigap plan. 

Takeaway 

Advise your clients and patients to start the process 2-3 months prior to their 65th birthday or retirement date. Delay could result in a gap in health insurance coverage and access to vital care and/or medications. 

Mary Jo Heins is a former medical practice manager and past president of Colorado Medical Group Management Association. Now she is totally focused on Medicare. www.medicareinsurancehelp.com 720-484-6946 

Mary Jo will host a Medicare Educational Session on July 28 at 6 p.m. Learn more and register here.