Can I collect Social Security and decline Medicare?
Asked by: Dr. Liza Cormier | Last update: July 23, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (9 votes)
Do I lose Social Security if I decline Medicare?
No, declining Medicare will not reduce or eliminate a person's eligibility for social security. However, if in the future a person decides to join Medicare after their eligibility period has passed, in addition to the monthly premium, they will also have to pay a lifetime monthly penalty.
Can I collect Social Security but not Medicare?
Yes of course. Social security administers the Medicare program but that's it. You can take Medicare part b without social security and/or you can take social security without Medicare. The 2 do not have to work in concert.
Can I collect Social Security and delay Medicare?
If you do receive either of these benefits, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B at age 65. You'll need to contact Social Security and let them know that you wish to delay Part B. You must have Medicare Part A, however, if you receive Social Security benefits.
At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?
Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.
Expat, Living Overseas, Living Abroad AND Social Security AND Medicare; AND Q&A
How do you qualify to delay Medicare Part B?
- Your health insurance is through your own or a spouse's current job.
- The employer has 20 or more employees.
- Your employer plan provides creditable coverage.
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.
Is it mandatory to have Medicare deducted from Social Security?
A person does not have to pay their Medicare premiums directly from their Social Security. Medicare offers four additional ways to pay, including directly through the Medicare website, via Medicare Easy Pay, by mail, and through direct debiting of a bank account.
Why would someone opt out of Medicare?
The ONLY reason to opt out of Medicare is if you want to 1) see a Medicare patient, 2) under private contract, 3) for covered services.
What is the 5 year rule for Social Security?
The Social Security 5-year rule refers specifically to disability benefits. It requires that you must have worked five out of the last ten years immediately before your disability onset to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Is Medicare mandatory at 65?
Is It Mandatory To Go On Medicare When You Turn 65? You're not required to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65.
When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?
You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.
Can I collect Social Security and not Medicare?
The short answer? Yes. You can access Social Security benefits without enrolling in Medicare.
Why would someone not qualify for Medicare?
Individuals who are not receiving a Social Security or RRB benefit are not automatically enrolled. Individuals who previously refused Part B, or who terminated their Part B enrollment, may enroll (or re-enroll) in Part B only during certain enrollment periods.
Is Medicare Part D mandatory?
Enrollment in Part D is generally voluntary, however, some people are required to be enrolled, and others should not enroll.
Can you opt out of Medicare if you get Social Security?
In fact, if you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you'll have to pay back all the benefits you've received so far in order to opt out of Medicare Part A coverage. That's not usually an option as most people rely on those monthly payments to cover their bills.
Is Medicare a legally required benefit?
By law, your employer must provide Social Security and Medicare, which are mandated employer-paid benefits. The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) is a federal payroll (employment) tax used to fund Social Security and Medicare programs, which provide benefits for retirees, disabled individuals, and children.
How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?
- Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Pay your own Part B premium.
- Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.
How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?
eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.
Can I avoid paying Medicare?
People who have to pay a premium for Part A may consider delaying enrollment to avoid the expense. Part A charges a penalty for late enrollment, though. An alternative in this case is to get a Marketplace plan instead of Medicare.
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.
What if I don't want Medicare?
Can I choose to opt out of Medicare altogether? Yes, you can choose to opt out of Medicare coverage, but it's important to consider potential drawbacks. Medicare offers essential healthcare benefits, and opting out might leave you without coverage for certain medical expenses.
Do you get penalized if you don't take Medicare at 65?
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.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?
Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).