Marlien / Resources / How to Enroll in Medicare Through PECOS
How to Enroll in Medicare Through PECOS
CMS describes four high-level steps: get an NPI, complete the Medicare enrollment application in PECOS, pay an application fee if one applies, and work with your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). One form does not fit every provider or organization. This guide explains the dependencies and the records to keep. It does not promise approval or a processing time.
Last reviewed 2026-11-05 by Valerie. Next review 2027-02-05.
Who this guide covers
It covers the general path CMS describes for providers and suppliers. Institutional providers and suppliers such as DMEPOS suppliers have different paths and requirements. Marlien is not CMS, a MAC, or a government representative.
Step 1: NPI and access
NPIs are issued through the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). If you already have an NPI, you can skip that step. You also need the right access to enroll for yourself or on behalf of an organization.
Step 2: Choose the correct PECOS scenario
PECOS is CMS's online Medicare enrollment system, with tutorials that walk through the application. Choose the scenario for the individual or the organization and the change you are making, and complete every required section.
Step 3: Supporting records, signatures, and tracking
Upload the supporting records the application asks for, make sure the right person signs, and save the submission tracking information. Keep proof of what was submitted and when.
Step 4: Application fee, if one applies
Some applicants must pay a Medicare application fee, and CMS publishes a matrix showing who. Whether it applies to you depends on your situation, so check CMS's matrix rather than assuming.
Step 5: Work with your MAC
Your MAC is specific to the region where you practice and may ask for more information while it processes the application. Submission, development of the application, approval, and the effective date are different events.
Keep your information current
CMS says to report a change in ownership, an adverse legal action, or a change in practice location within 30 days, and all other changes within 90 days. Online applicants can update their information in PECOS.
Common questions
It depends on the applicant. CMS publishes an application fee matrix, so check it for your provider or supplier type.
No fixed time applies to every application. Your MAC may ask for more information, which extends review.
Not through this website. Never send portal credentials or sensitive documents by a public form or email.
Next step
You are not charged when you build a plan. Payers and state agencies control review, participation, approval, effective dates, and timing. Marlien does not negotiate payer contracts, reimbursement rates, fee schedules, or participation terms.
Keep reading
- Georgia new-practice guide
- Texas new-practice guide
- CAQH re-attestation guide
- Credentialing and enrollment services
Official sources
Instructions and timing change. Confirm the current instructions with the source before relying on this page. This guide is educational, is not legal advice, and does not replace payer instructions.