Do you have to be on Social Security to get Medicare?

Asked by: Jalyn Murazik  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (10 votes)

Collecting Social Security is by no means a prerequisite to getting Medicare. In fact, it's often advisable to sign up for Medicare as soon as you're eligible (assuming you don't have other health coverage) but wait on Social Security to avoid a reduction in benefits, or boost them as much as possible.

Can you receive Social Security without Medicare?

Phil Moeller: The short answer is that you should not need to sign up for any type of Medicare unless your employer has 20 or fewer employees. ... If you decide to begin taking Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Parts A and B of Medicare.

What is needed to qualify for Medicare?

You qualify for Medicare if you are 65 or older, a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident who's been in the United States for at least five years, have worked 10 years and paid Medicare taxes. You may also qualify if you are younger than 65 but are disabled or have certain medical conditions.

Does everyone automatically get Medicare?

Most people are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare when they turn 65 and get Social Security benefits. There are also some other cases where you are automatically enrolled in Medicare.

How do I pay for Medicare Part B without Social Security?

You can request to have your Part B premiums deducted from your Office of Personnel Management (OPM) annuity as long as you're NOT entitled to Social Security or RRB benefits. Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE to make your request. For questions about your bill, call the RRB at 1-877-772-5772.

Can You Get Medicare Without Social Security?

22 related questions found

Is it mandatory to go on Medicare when you turn 65?

Many people are working past age 65, so how does Medicare fit in? It is mandatory to sign up for Medicare Part A once you enroll in Social Security. The two are permanently linked. However, Medicare Parts B, C, and D are optional and you can delay enrollment if you have creditable coverage.

Do you automatically get Medicare when you turn 65?

Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. ... If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, you should be automatically enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.

Do you automatically get Medicare Part A with Social Security?

Most people who collect Social Security benefits automatically receive Original Medicare (Parts A and B) coverage once they're eligible. ... You turn 65 (automatic enrollment in Part A and B occurs three months before your 65th birthday if you're already receiving Social Security retirement benefits)

Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A when you apply for Social Security benefits?

Yes. If you are receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for parts A and B of Medicare. (Medicare is operated by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but Social Security handles enrollment.)

Do all seniors get Medicare?

Nearly every American 65 or older is eligible for Medicare, and almost all of them are eligible for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) with no premiums.

At what age are seniors eligible for Medicare?

Generally, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant). Medicare has two parts, Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medicare Insurance).

How many months before you turn 65 do you apply for Medicare?

Generally, you're first eligible starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you might have to wait to sign up and go months without coverage. You might also pay a monthly penalty for as long as you have Part B.

How long does it take for a Medicare application to be approved?

It takes about 45 to 90 days to receive your acceptance letter after submitting your Medicare application.

Do I have to enroll in Medicare every year?

If you're enrolled in Original Medicare, you don't have to renew your coverage. If you enrolled in Medigap or Medicare Advantage, coverage renews until you decide to change.

Why do you have to wait 24 months 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.

How do I enroll in Medicare for the first time?

3 Ways to Sign Up for Medicare Part A and Part B
  1. Fill out the online application on the Social Security Administration's website.
  2. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778), 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  3. Visit your local Social Security office.

What do I need to do before I turn 65?

11 steps to take if you're turning 65 this year
  1. Make a Social Security plan. ...
  2. Get ready for Medicare. ...
  3. Medigap or Medicare Advantage? ...
  4. Pick the right Medicare Part D plan. ...
  5. Consider long-term care insurance. ...
  6. Start unlocking new travel deals. ...
  7. Get a property tax break. ...
  8. Visit the doctor.

Can I decline Medicare coverage?

If you do not want to use Medicare, you can opt out, but you may lose other benefits. People who decline Medicare coverage initially may have to pay a penalty if they decide to enroll in Medicare later.

Do I have to accept Medicare Part B?

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. Cost: If you have Part B, you pay a Part B premium each month.

What documents do I need to apply for Medicare online?

What documents do I need to enroll in Medicare?
  1. your Social Security number.
  2. your date and place of birth.
  3. your citizenship status.
  4. the name and Social Security number of your current spouse and any former spouses.
  5. the date and place of any marriages or divorces you've had.

How do I know if I have Medicare?

You will know if you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan by checking your enrollment status. Your enrollment status shows the name of your plan, what type of coverage you have, and how long you've had it. You can check your status online at www.mymedicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

Can I apply for Medicare over the phone?

If you would like to file for Medicare only, you can apply by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Is Medicare age changing to 67?

3 The retirement age will remain 66 until 2017, when it will increase in 2-month increments to 67 in 2022. Several proposals have suggested raising both the normal retirement age and the Medicare eligibility age.

Does Medicare start on your birthday or the month of your birthday?

When your coverage starts

The date your coverage starts depends on which month you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage always starts on the first of the month. If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65.

What age does Social Security Start?

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.