Do I need to enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Asked by: Merl Bruen | Last update: November 24, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (29 votes)
What happens if I don't enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Initial Enrollment Period
It starts 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. , unless you have other coverage that's similar in value to Medicare (like from an employer). If you don't, you may have to pay an extra amount, called a late enrollment penalty.
Is signing up for Medicare at 65 mandatory?
You're not required to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65.
Can you be over 65 and not have Medicare?
Yes, in general, people age 65 or older who are not entitled to premium-free Medicare can purchase health insurance coverage in the Marketplace (except undocumented immigrants).
Do I need to notify Social Security when I turn 65?
You don't need to notify Social Security that you're turning 65. Instead, you apply for Social Security when you want your benefits to start, which could be as early as age 62 or as late as age 70.
Medicare Initial Enrollment Period - Sign Up for Medicare at Age 65
Does Social Security automatically enroll you in Medicare at age 65?
If you're already getting benefits from Social Security or the RRB, you'll automatically be enrolled in both Part A and Part B starting the 1st day of the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on the 1st day of the month, Part A and Part B will start the 1st day of the prior month.
What am I required to do when I turn 65?
- Familiarize yourself with Medicare (and don't be afraid to ask for help). ...
- Decide if you'll retire or keep working. ...
- Learn the term 'Medigap' ...
- Consider getting a long-term care insurance policy. ...
- Plan your social security benefits claim. ...
- Get your legal documents in order.
How much do I have to pay for Medicare when I turn 65?
If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $518 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($185 in 2025).
Is Medicare Part B mandatory?
Part B is optional. Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem.
What are the three requirements for Medicare?
- Age 65 or older.
- Disabled.
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
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).
How much does Medicare cost per month?
Here's what you'll pay for Medicare Part B: Premium: $185 per month, although you could pay more depending on your income. Higher-income beneficiaries: An additional $74 to $443.90 per month on your premium if your income exceeds certain thresholds. This is the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA).
Is the Medicare age changing to 67?
After it was fully phased-in in 2036, the retirement age would remain at 67. Under Social Security, the retirement age will be fully phased in to 67 by 2027. Since 1965, when Medicare was originally enacted, life expectancy has increased by over four years and is projected to continue to increase.
Who is exempt from paying Medicare Part B premiums?
Enrollees who have Medicaid, employer-sponsored health coverage, or retiree health benefits from an employer generally don't have to pay the full Medicare Part B deductible, as the other coverage picks up some or all of the cost (this varies depending on the plan).
Can you use Medicare and private insurance at the same time?
If you have Medicare and other health insurance (like from a group health plan, retiree coverage, or Medicaid), each type of coverage is called a "payer." The "primary payer" pays up to the limits of its coverage, then sends the rest of the balance to the "secondary payer."
Can I delay Medicare Part B if I am still working?
People with group health coverage based on current employment may be able to delay Part A and Part B. They won't have to pay a lifetime late enrollment penalty if they enroll later.
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.
Is Medicare free at age 65 for seniors?
$0 for most people (because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough while working - generally at least 10 years). If you get Medicare earlier than age 65, you won't pay a Part A premium. This is sometimes called “premium-free Part A.”
Does Social Security count as income for Medicare?
In situations where you have Social Security payments in conjunction with an income that meets the tax filing limitations, only the income will be counted toward your total when being considered for income-related medical benefits.
Will I be automatically enrolled in Medicare when I turn 65?
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.
When you turn 65 do you have to pay taxes?
Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes. People who are 65 or older at the end of 2024 have to file a return for tax year 2024 (which is due in 2025) if their gross income is $16,550 or higher.
At what age do you get 100% of your Social Security?
For anyone born 1960 or later, full retirement benefits are payable at age 67.