Are most people automatically enrolled in Medicare?

Asked by: Mr. Einar Raynor Jr.  |  Last update: September 23, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (57 votes)

People living in the U.S. and U.S. Territories (except Puerto Rico) who are already getting Social Security—either because of disability or retirement—are automatically signed up for Part A and Part B when they're first eligible.

Is anyone automatically enrolled in Medicare?

If you are approaching age 65 and you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits through early retirement, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) when you turn 65.

Do US citizens automatically get Medicare?

There are several ways to enroll in Medicare, whether you plan to retire or keep working: If you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits between age 62 and up to 4 months before turning 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65.

Is an individual's enrollment in Medicare automatic on?

An individual who is receiving monthly Social Security or RRB benefits, at least 4 months prior to turning age 65, does not need to file a separate application to become entitled to premium-free Part A. In this case, the individual will get Part A automatically at age 65.

Are you forced to enroll in Medicare?

You're not required to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. However, if you don't enroll when you're first eligible you might be subject to Part A, Part B, and Part D late enrollment penalties.

8 Reasons to DELAY Medicare Past 65 That Will Save You Thousands and Avoid ALL Penalties

27 related questions found

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

Do seniors have to re enroll in Medicare every year?

Do I have to re-enroll in Medicare every year? In most cases, Medicare re-enrollment is automatic so you only have to enroll in Medicare once. After you're enrolled in Medicare, your coverage will continue unless you decide to make changes.

In which two parts of Medicare is enrollment generally automatic?

You automatically get Part A and Part B after you get disability benefits from Social Security or certain disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months. If you're automatically enrolled, you'll get your Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65?

Part A late enrollment penalty

If you have to buy Part A, and you don't buy it when you're first eligible for Medicare, your monthly premium may go up 10%. You'll have to pay the penalty for twice the number of years you didn't sign up.

Why is Medicare so complicated?

One big reason: too many choices. TN: In Philadelphia, for example, people will have a choice of more than 50 Medicare advantage plans, more than 20 stand-alone drug plans. It's almost imponderable how many options people have out there.

Is it a good idea to get Medicare if you're still working at 65?

If your or your spouse's employer has 20 or more employees and a group health plan, you don't have to sign up for Medicare at 65. But if you get Medicare Part A for free, typically you should sign up. (After all, it's free.) In some cases, Medicare Part A may cover what your employer plan doesn't.

How do you pay for Medicare if you are not collecting Social Security?

If you don't get benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board), you'll get a premium bill from Medicare. Get a sample of the Medicare bill. Why is my first bill higher than I expected? An extra amount you pay in addition to your Part D plan premium, if your income is above a certain amount.

Why am I automatically enrolled in Medicare?

Because you're getting Social Security benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65, you don't need to do anything to sign up. We'll automatically enroll you in both Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?

People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid 2024?

Parents of Dependent Children: Income limits for 2024 are reported as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). The 2024 FPL for a family of three is $25,820. Other Adults: Eligibility limits for other adults are presented as a percentage of the 2024 FPL for an individual is $15,060.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

What happens if I do nothing during Medicare open enrollment?

If you look at your Annual Notice of Change letter, don't find anything amiss, and decide after carefully evaluating your Medicare plan that you want to keep it, we have good news. Unless you take action to change it during the Annual Enrollment Period, your current Medicare coverage will renew for the following year.

Is enrollment in Medicare mandatory at age 65?

Medicare eligibility starts at age 65. Your initial window to enroll is the seven-month period that begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends three months after it. Seniors are generally advised to sign up on time to avoid penalties that could prove quite costly over the course of retirement.

Is Medicare Part B free if you're over 65?

You have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you may wonder if it's worth the monthly premium costs to sign up for Part B. The answer varies with each person and the kind of other health insurance you have.