Does everyone over 65 automatically get Medicare?
Asked by: Adrian Kohler | Last update: October 11, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (24 votes)
Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?
You'll get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) automatically when you turn 65. You'll still need to make important decisions about your coverage, like whether you need to add drug coverage.
Is Medicare mandatory for everyone over 65?
Is It Mandatory To Go On Medicare When You Turn 65? You're not required to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65.
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 not automatically eligible 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.
Do I Automatically Get Medicare When I Turn 65?
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.
How much does Medicare cost at age 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).
How do I know if I am automatically enrolled in Medicare?
You automatically get Part A and Part B after you get disability benefits from Social Security or certain disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months. If you're automatically enrolled, you'll get your Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability.
How to decline Medicare at age 65?
- Contact Social Security.
- If you recently got a welcome packet saying you automatically got Medicare Part A and Part B, follow the instructions in your welcome packet, and send your Medicare card back.
Is Medicare Part D required?
Enrollment in Part D is generally voluntary, however, some people are required to be enrolled, and others should not enroll.
Can I get Medicare if I never worked but my husband did?
If you do not have at least 40 calendar quarters of work during which you paid Social Security taxes in the U.S., but your spouse does, you may be eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A based on your spouse's work history when you turn 65.
Does everyone 65 or older have to pay for Medicare?
People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A. 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).
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.
Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?
- Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help from Medicare is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. ...
- Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Get free personalized health insurance counseling.
How do I avoid paying Medicare Part B?
You may refuse Part B without penalty if you have creditable coverage, but you have to do it before your coverage start date. Follow the directions on the back of your Medicare card if you want to refuse Part B.
Can I drop my work insurance and go on Medicare?
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).
Is it a good idea to get Medicare if you're still working at 65?
If your or your spouse's employer has 20 or more employees and a group health plan, you don't have to sign up for Medicare at 65. But if you get Medicare Part A for free, typically you should sign up. (After all, it's free.) In some cases, Medicare Part A may cover what your employer plan doesn't.
Does Medicare cover dental?
In most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures.
Why do doctors not like to take Medicare?
In recent years, physician groups and some policymakers have raised concerns that physicians would opt out of Medicare due to reductions in Medicare payments for many Part B services, potentially leading to a shortage of physicians willing to treat people with Medicare.
What happens if you don't want Medicare when you turn 65?
Generally speaking, if you do not sign up for Medicare on time, you may have to pay a 10% surcharge on Medicare Part B premiums for each year you go without coverage starting the month you're eligible for coverage.
Is it illegal to not have Medicare?
Strictly speaking, Medicare is not mandatory. But very few people will have no Medicare coverage at all – ever.