Medicare and Social Security

Medicare and Social Security are closely connected, but they are not the same program.

This causes considerable confusion.

Do I Have to Collect Social Security to Receive Medicare?

No.

You may enroll in Medicare without beginning Social Security retirement benefits.

Many people delay Social Security retirement benefits while enrolling in Medicare at age 65.

Social Security administers Medicare enrollment for Part A and Part B, which is why you generally apply for Medicare through the Social Security Administration.

But applying for Medicare does not mean you must begin receiving Social Security retirement income.

Will Medicare Enroll Me Automatically?

It depends.

If You Are Already Receiving Social Security

If you have been receiving Social Security retirement benefits at least four months before turning 65, you generally will be automatically enrolled in:

Medicare generally mails your welcome package and Medicare card before coverage begins.

If You Are Not Receiving Social Security

You generally need to actively apply for Medicare.

You can apply through the Social Security Administration without applying for Social Security retirement benefits.

This is especially important for people who plan to delay Social Security until their full retirement age or later.

Do not assume Medicare automatically begins at age 65 simply because you are eligible.

Do Medicare Premiums Come Out of Social Security?

If you receive Social Security benefits, Medicare Part B premiums are commonly deducted directly from your Social Security payment.

If you are enrolled in Medicare but are not yet collecting Social Security, Medicare generally bills you for applicable premiums through another payment method until premium withholding begins.

Is Age 65 Still the Social Security Full Retirement Age?

For many people today, no.

Medicare eligibility commonly begins at age 65, but Social Security's full retirement age may be later depending on your year of birth.

That means:

Medicare age and Social Security retirement age are separate decisions.

Do not delay Medicare solely because you plan to delay Social Security unless you have another valid reason to delay Medicare, such as qualifying current-employer coverage.