Can I retire at 62 with Medicare?

Asked by: Twila Kihn IV  |  Last update: November 14, 2025
Score: 5/5 (49 votes)

No. Even if your spouse has Medicare when you retire at 62, you aren't eligible for Medicare until you turn 65 (unless you qualify by disability).

Am I eligible for Medicare if I retire at 62?

Medicare enrollment in your 60s

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.

What benefits do you get if you retire at 62?

You can receive Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, we'll reduce your benefit if you start receiving benefits before your full retirement age. For example, if you turn age 62 in 2025, your benefit would be about 30% lower than it would be at your full retirement age of 67.

How to retire at 62 and get health insurance?

If you retire before Medicare eligibility, you can apply for an ACA insurance plan. Since you have little to no taxable income in that window between retirement and Medicare, you will probably be eligible for government subsidies toward your premiums.

What happens if you retire at 62 instead of 65?

A worker can choose to retire as early as age 62, but doing so may result in a reduction of as much as 30 percent. Starting to receive benefits after normal retirement age may result in larger benefits. With delayed retirement credits, a person can receive his or her largest benefit by retiring at age 70.

Can You Take Social Security if You Retire at 62?

21 related questions found

What are the disadvantages of retiring at 62?

Disadvantages of Early Retirement
  • Foregoing employer-sponsored health care costs. ...
  • Getting hit with penalties and fines for accessing your retirement funds early. ...
  • Realizing a loss of benefits.

How much money do I need to retire at 62?

Experts suggest saving eight to ten times one's annual income by age 62, but many Americans must catch up, making careful planning necessary. Inflation and investment returns significantly impact your retirement savings, so a diversified portfolio is crucial in maintaining purchasing power.

How to apply for retirement benefits at age 62?

You can apply:
  1. Online; or.
  2. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. Call ahead to make an appointment.
  3. If you do not live in the U.S. or one of its territories, you can also contact your nearest U.S.

What is the earliest age you can get Medicare?

Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. (You may be eligible for Medicare earlier, if you get disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.)

What is the best age to retire for your health?

You're Likely to Live Longer If You Retire After 65.

Why 62 is the best age to retire?

“It gives you higher monthly Social Security benefits, allows you to wait to go on Medicare for health insurance, allows your 401(k) to build if you have that, allows you time to pay off your mortgage on your house and reduces the number of years you have to support yourself with your accumulated retirement assets.”

What is a good monthly retirement income?

The ideal monthly retirement income for a couple differs for everyone. It depends on your personal preferences, past accomplishments, and retirement plans. Some valuable perspective can be found in the 2022 US Census Bureau's median income for couples 65 and over: $76,490 annually or about $6,374 monthly.

What percentage do you lose if you retire at 62?

Key takeaways. If you claim Social Security at age 62, rather than wait until your full retirement age (FRA), you can expect a 30% reduction in monthly benefits.

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.

What am I eligible for at 62?

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age.

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.

Can I get Medicare at 62 years old?

No. Even if your spouse has Medicare when you retire at 62, you aren't eligible for Medicare until you turn 65 (unless you qualify by disability).

What are the three requirements for Medicare?

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) are available to the individuals below:
  • Age 65 or older.
  • Disabled.
  • End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Why do you have to wait 2 years for Medicare?

The original purposes of the 24month waiting period were to limit costs to the Medicare trust funds at a time when many workers might have other health insurance coverage and to ensure that Medicare protection is extended only to persons whose disabilities are severe and long lasting.

What documents do I need to retire at 62?

What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Retirement Benefits? (En español)
  • Your Social Security card or a record of your number.
  • Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. ...
  • If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.

Can I retire at 62 in Canada?

The standard age to start the pension is 65. However, you can start receiving it as early as age 60 or as late as age 70. If you start receiving your pension earlier, the monthly amount you'll receive will be smaller. If you decide to start later, you'll receive a larger monthly amount.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.

Is retiring at 62 a good idea?

While everyone's path is different, strong evidence suggests that your early 60s is the best time to retire. Many believe that 62 is the perfect age to stop working.

How do I find out how much I get if I retire at 62?

You can use Social Security's benefit calculators to: Estimate your retirement benefits based on when you would begin receiving them (from age 62 to 70) Calculate what payments you would receive based on your earning history.

How to retire at 62 with no savings?

If you retire with no money, you'll have to consider ways to create income to pay for your living expenses. That might include applying for Social Security retirement benefits, getting a reverse mortgage if you own a home, or starting a side hustle or part-time job to generate a steady paycheck.