To sign up for Medicare Part A only, you generally enroll through Social Security and simply decline Part B during the application process.

Key ways to sign up

  • Online through Social Security :
    • Go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) website and start a Medicare application.
* When the application asks if you want Medicare Part B, answer “No”; you’ll then be enrolled in Part A only.

* You may need a **my Social Security** account to complete the process.
  • By phone :
    • Call Social Security at 1‑800‑772‑1213 and tell them you want to enroll in Part A only (not Part B).
* If you or a spouse worked for the railroad, you instead call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1‑877‑772‑5772.
  • In person :
    • Visit your local Social Security office and ask to apply for Medicare Part A only.
* Staff can help you complete the Part A enrollment forms and ensure Part B is not added if you don’t want it yet.

When you’re automatically enrolled

  • If you’re already receiving Social Security (or Railroad Retirement) benefits at 65, you’re usually enrolled in Part A automatically , and you can choose to accept or decline Part B.
  • If you do nothing when that card arrives, you often keep Part A and Part B, so you must actively follow the instructions on the notice if you wish to refuse Part B and keep Part A only.

Timing and penalties

  • Most people first enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period (the 7‑month window around your 65th birthday).
  • Part A is often premium‑free if you or a spouse have enough work credits; in that case, many people sign up for Part A even if they delay Part B because they still have employer coverage.

Quick step‑by‑step (online)

  1. Go to the SSA website’s Medicare application page.
  1. Sign in or create a my Social Security account.
  1. Start a new application for Medicare.
  1. When asked about Part B, choose that you do not want Part B.
  1. Submit and later check your application status in your SSA account.

Meta description (SEO) :
Wondering how do I sign up for Medicare Part A only? Learn the exact steps to enroll online, by phone, or in person, how to decline Part B, and what timing rules and penalties to know.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.