Can I apply for Social Security and Medicare at the same time?

Yes, you can apply for Social Security and Medicare at the same time, and often the Social Security Administration (SSA) (SSA) handles both applications together, especially if you're turning 65 and want to start benefits simultaneously; if you're already receiving Social Security, you'll typically get Medicare automatically, while if you delay Social Security, you'll need to apply for Medicare separately but can coordinate the enrollment to avoid penalties.

Should I apply for Medicare and Social Security at the same time?

Yes, you can and often should apply for Social Security and Medicare around the same time, especially if you're turning 65, as you can sign up for both through the Social Security Administration (SSA), and you're automatically enrolled in Medicare if you're already getting Social Security benefits. The key is to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) (7 months around your 65th birthday) to avoid gaps or penalties, and the SSA coordinates both applications for ease, deducting premiums from your benefits if applicable. 

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

How much is taken out of your Social Security check for Medicare?

The amount taken from your Social Security check for Medicare depends on your income and plan, but the standard is the Medicare Part B premium, which is $202.90 monthly for most people in 2026, automatically deducted from benefits if you receive them. Higher earners pay more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount or IRMAA) for Part B and Part D, while some with low income or qualifying for Medicaid may pay less or have premiums covered, with amounts adjusted annually. 

How and when to apply for Social Security and Medicare?

If you apply for Social Security 3 months before you turn 65 or later, you can sign up for Medicare when you apply for Social Security. The Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare begins 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65 — a total of 7 months.

Enroll in Social Security & Medicare at the Same Time

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?

Claiming Benefits Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they're eligible, which is at age 62. While getting money sooner can be tempting, claiming early has a significant downside: your monthly benefit will be reduced.

How much does Medicare cost per month?

Medicare costs vary, but for 2026, the standard Part B (Medical Insurance) premium is $202.90/month, with higher amounts for higher incomes, while most people pay $0 for Part A (Hospital Insurance) if they paid Medicare taxes for 40+ quarters, or a premium of $311 or $565 if they didn't. Prescription drug plans (Part D) average around $34.50/month, and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans have varied costs, some with $0 premiums. 

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

Does everyone have to pay $170 for Medicare?

Medicare Part A (pays for hospital stays) is usually free, but almost everyone has to pay $202.90 per month for Medicare Part B (pays for medical care). If you have a Part D, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, you'll have an extra monthly cost on top of paying for Part B.

Does Social Security pay a month ahead or behind?

Social Security pays benefits a month behind, meaning the payment you receive in a given month is for the previous month's benefits (e.g., your July benefit arrives in August). This is called payment in arrears, and the payment day within the month (usually the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday) depends on your birth date or your spouse's birth date if you're a dependent. 

What is the 3 month rule for Medicare?

Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. (You may be eligible for Medicare earlier, if you get disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.)

Is it better to have plain Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Neither Original Medicare nor Medicare Advantage (MA) is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and preference for provider choice, with Original Medicare offering nationwide provider freedom but requiring separate drug/supplement plans, while MA provides all-in-one coverage with networks and extra benefits like dental/vision but often requires referrals and has regional limits. 

Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?

Talk to someone

You can also: 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. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

What does Suze Orman say about when to take Social Security?

Suze Orman strongly advises waiting as long as possible to claim Social Security, ideally until age 70, to maximize your monthly benefit, explaining that delaying provides a significant guaranteed annual increase (around 8%) and offers crucial inflation protection for a longer retirement. While some suggest claiming at 62 and investing the money, Orman counters that most people don't invest it and end up with less income long-term, emphasizing that a higher monthly check with cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) is a better, more secure financial tool, especially for the surviving spouse. 

How far in advance should I apply for Social Security?

You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits up to four months before you want your first payment to start, with payments beginning as early as age 62 (though reduced) and increasing until age 70, providing ample time to plan and avoid payment delays, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Applying in advance ensures the Social Security Administration (SSA) has time to process your paperwork and start checks in the month after your chosen start month, say NerdWallet and The Motley Fool. 

Should I go to the social security office to apply for Medicare?

Visit your local Social Security office.

Security office to enroll in Medicare, you should make an appointment. Appointments are strongly recommended so that you can avoid delays and waiting in line. Call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to make an appointment at your local office.

Does Medicare pay 100% of hospital bills?

No, Original Medicare (Part A) does not pay 100% of hospital bills; it uses a cost-sharing model with deductibles and coinsurance, meaning you'll pay some costs out-of-pocket unless you have a supplemental plan (Medigap) or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that covers these gaps. For a hospital stay, you pay the Part A deductible (e.g., $1,676 in 2025) for each benefit period, and then coinsurance for longer stays (e.g., days 61-90), with costs rising significantly after 90 days and lifetime reserve days are used up. 

What are the 5 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Medicare generally doesn't cover long-term care, most dental care, routine vision services (like glasses), hearing aids/fittings, and cosmetic surgery, though it does provide strong coverage for hospital and doctor services; you can often get coverage for these gaps through Medicare Advantage (Part C) or supplemental plans. 

What happens if I can't afford my Medicare?

Californians with an annual income of less than $21,597 for an individual or $29,187 for a couple are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program. These programs provide help from the State of California to pay for your Medicare premiums, and sometimes your deductibles and copayments.

Can you use Medicare and private insurance at the same time?

Yes, you can have both Medicare and private insurance (like employer coverage or retiree plans) at the same time; it's called dual coverage, and one plan pays first (primary) and the other second (secondary) to reduce out-of-pocket costs, though the coordination rules depend on your specific situation, such as your employer's size and whether you're still working. It's often beneficial, but you must understand which plan pays first to avoid penalties or gaps in coverage, especially when retiring or if you have a disability. 

Do I really need supplemental insurance with Medicare?

Supplemental insurance is advisable for those with Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs and gaps in coverage, offering financial protection for deductibles, coinsurance, and other medical expenses not fully covered by Medicare.

Can I keep my private insurance when I turn 65?

Companies with 20 or more employees are required to continue offering health insurance to current workers and their spouses who are 65 or older. If you're insured under a plan from a company of that size, you have the option to enroll in Medicare and decline your group plan, but the employer can't force this decision.

How much does Medicare cost out of my social security check?

Medicare deductions from Social Security primarily involve the Medicare Part B premium, which for most people in 2026 is $202.90 monthly, automatically taken from checks if you receive benefits; higher earners pay more, while Part A is usually free unless you haven't worked 10 years, and Part D/Advantage plans have separate costs. These premiums are separate from the payroll taxes (1.45%) deducted while working, which fund Medicare. 

What is the 80 20 rule for Medicare?

The "Medicare 80/20 Rule" refers to two different concepts: the Affordable Care Act's Medical Loss Ratio (MLR), requiring most health insurers to spend 80% of premiums on care, and a new CMS rule for Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) demanding 80% of Medicaid payments go to direct caregiver wages, aiming to improve workforce pay and stability. Separately, Original Medicare Part B often pays 80% of approved costs for outpatient services, with the beneficiary paying the 20% coinsurance. 

Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?

People warn against Medicare Advantage (MA) plans due to limited doctor/hospital networks, complex pre-authorization for care, higher potential out-of-pocket costs for serious illnesses, annual plan changes (benefits/networks), denials of care, and difficulty switching back to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan later, especially if you become sick. While MA offers extra perks (dental, vision, low premiums), these restrictions can be burdensome, prioritizing insurer profits over patient freedom, making it risky for those with ongoing health issues.