Do you get Medicare Part A at 62?

Asked by: Prof. Bertrand Kohler I  |  Last update: October 11, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (40 votes)

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.

Is Medicare Part A free?

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Most people get Part A for free, but some have to pay a premium for this coverage.

What kind of insurance can you get if you retire at 62?

If you retire before you're 65 and lose your job-based health plan when you do, you can use the Health Insurance Marketplace ® to buy a plan. The yearly period (November 1 – January 15) when people can enroll in a Marketplace health insurance plan.

Who is not eligible for Medicare Part A?

Why might a person not be eligible for Medicare Part A? A person must be age 65 years or older to qualify for Medicare Part A. Unless they meet other requirements, such as a qualifying disability, they cannot get Medicare Part A benefits before this age.

At what age do you stop paying Medicare premiums?

You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

Social Security Timing: Age 62 vs. 70

17 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.

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.

Who is exempt from paying Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A is free if you: Have at least 40 calendar quarters of work in any job where you paid Social Security taxes in the U.S. Are eligible for Railroad Retirement benefits. Or, have a spouse that qualifies for premium-free Part A.

Is Medicare Part A mandatory?

Enrollment in Medicare Part A is mandatory for people who receive Social Security benefits. Enrollment in Part B is voluntary.

Can I get AARP health insurance at 62?

The AARP-branded health insurance plans provided by UnitedHealthcare are Medicare plans, which means you usually have to be 65 years and older to enroll unless you are on Medicare due to a disability, then depending on the state, Medicare Supplement plans may be available.

What is the #1 reason to take Social Security at 62?

Those facing financial emergencies, such as a layoff or debt, may benefit from accessing Social Security early. If you retire early and need extra income, Social Security benefits can provide supplemental funds to support your new lifestyle, hobbies or retirement activities.

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.

How much money will I lose if I 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.

Do I automatically have Medicare Part A?

If you are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A.

How much is Medicare Part A per month?

Beneficiaries who did not contribute enough credits can buy Part A, often called “premium Part A.” In 2025, those with premium Part A will pay either the full premium or a prorated amount (between $285 and $518 per month).

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).

Can I refuse Medicare Part A?

Reasons to delay Medicare Part A

(Note: You can't refuse or delay Part A if you receive Social Security benefits, unless you forfeit your benefits.) Check with your plan benefits administrator about your options.

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.

Am I eligible for free Medicare Part A?

Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs. $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.”

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.

Does anyone have to pay for Medicare Part A?

Most people don't pay a Part A premium because they paid Medicare taxes while working. 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.

Does everyone over 65 get Medicare Part A?

Do I Automatically Receive Medicare When I Turn 65? If you're receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits four months prior to your 65th birthday, you'll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Most people qualify for Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

What is the deductible for Medicare Part A?

The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible that beneficiaries pay if admitted to the hospital will be $1,676 in 2025, an increase of $44 from $1,632 in 2024.

Can you stay on employer health insurance after 65?

It depends on how you are receiving your current insurance. If you are receiving employer-sponsored health insurance through either your or your spouse's job when you turn 65, you may be able to keep your insurance until you (or your spouse) retire(s).