Can I get Medicare at 65 without collecting Social Security?

Yes, you can absolutely get Medicare at 65 without collecting Social Security benefits; you just need to actively sign up for it during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), as the Social Security Administration (SSA) won't automatically enroll youSocial Security Administration (SSA) won't automatically enroll you. You can apply for Medicare only (Parts A & B) online or by contacting the SSA, even if you plan to delay your monthly cash benefits for a higher Social Security payment later.

How do you pay for Medicare if you are not collecting Social Security?

If you're not collecting Social Security but have Medicare (especially Part B), you pay directly via mailed bills (CMS-500), using bank online bill pay, Medicare Easy Pay, phone, or by setting up automatic deductions from a checking/savings account or annuity, as premiums aren't withheld from benefits you aren't receiving. 

How much does Medicare cost at age 65?

At age 65, most people get Premium-Free Part A, costing $0, but pay a standard Part B premium of $202.90 monthly in 2026, plus a $283 annual deductible, with potential income-based surcharges (IRMAA) and extra costs for supplemental plans like Part D (drugs) or Medicare Advantage (Part C). Your total monthly cost depends on your income, work history (for Part A), and any extra coverage, but expect at least the Part B premium and potentially more for prescription drugs. 

What are the three requirements for Medicare?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

• Be age 65 or older;
• Be a U.S. resident; AND.
• Be either a U.S. citizen, OR.
• Be an alien who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and has been residing in the United States for 5 continuous years prior to the month of filing an application for Medicare.

Is there a penalty for not signing up for Medicare Part A at age 65?

Yes, you can face a penalty for not enrolling in Medicare Part A at age 65 if you have to buy it (don't qualify for premium-free), but most people don't pay a penalty because they get premium-free Part A through work, or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to employer coverage, allowing penalty-free signup later, typically when you stop working or lose that coverage. If you must pay for Part A and delay enrollment, the penalty is a 10% surcharge on your premium, paid for twice the number of years you delayed. 

Can You Get Medicare Without Social Security Benefits?

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. 

Is it mandatory to get Medicare at age 65?

Many seniors are no longer employed at age 65, and thus rush to sign up for Medicare as soon as they're able. But if you're still working at 65, and you have coverage under a group health plan through an employer with 20 employees or more, then you don't have to enroll in Medicare right now.

Do you get Medicare if you don't qualify for Social Security?

Yes, you can get Medicare without collecting Social Security retirement benefits by contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) to apply for Medicare only, often during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) around age 65, even if you're still working or not ready for monthly cash payments. You must proactively sign up for Medicare through the SSA; you won't be automatically enrolled like those already receiving Social Security, and you'll pay premiums for Part B (and potentially Part A if you don't qualify for premium-free). 

How do I enroll in Medicare at 65?

Your IEP begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes the month of your birthday and ends 3 months later. Note: To apply for Medicare Parts A and B, you must contact the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213.

What disqualifies a person from Medicare?

You can be disqualified from Medicare if you aren't a U.S. citizen or lawful resident, lack sufficient work history for premium-free Part A, fail to sign up on time (incurring penalties), have serious criminal issues (like healthcare fraud), or if you move out of the country, though eligibility is primarily tied to age (65+), disability, or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). 

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 Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills?

No, Original Medicare (Part A & B) does not cover 100% of hospital bills; beneficiaries pay deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, but you can get full coverage by adding Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans or choosing a Medicare Advantage plan. Part A covers the first 60 days of a hospital stay (after a deductible), but after that, you pay daily coinsurance, and there's no limit on your total costs unless you have supplemental coverage.
 

Why would a person not be eligible for Medicare?

You can be disqualified from Medicare if you aren't a U.S. citizen or lawful resident, lack sufficient work history for premium-free Part A, fail to sign up on time (incurring penalties), have serious criminal issues (like healthcare fraud), or if you move out of the country, though eligibility is primarily tied to age (65+), disability, or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). 

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. 

What happens if you opt out of Social Security?

Opting out of Social Security means you stop paying the payroll tax, giving you more take-home pay but also forfeiting federal retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, plus Medicare eligibility, requiring you to build a complete private safety net (savings, insurance) to replace these crucial protections, which can be costly and complex to replicate. While some government/religious jobs offer alternative pensions (like 403b matches) for opting out, for most, it means losing guaranteed income for old age, disability, and support for your family if you pass away. 

Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?

No, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) is generally not free at age 65; most people pay a monthly premium, which can be higher for those with greater income, although Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is often premium-free if you've paid Social Security taxes for about 10 years. While Part A is free for many, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care and requires a standard monthly payment, with the 2026 standard premium set at $202.90, plus potential penalties for late enrollment. 

Do I need to contact Social Security when I turn 65?

No, you don't have to sign up for Social Security at 65; you can start as early as 62 or delay until age 70 for a higher monthly payment, but 65 is when you typically become eligible for Medicare, which is a separate but related process, and you should sign up around then to avoid penalties. Your Full Retirement Age (FRA), when you get 100% of your benefit, is likely 67 for most people today, but you can choose to start benefits earlier (reduced amount) or later (increased amount). 

Do you get penalized for not signing up for Medicare at 65?

Yes, you can get penalized for not signing up for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) at 65 if you don't have other qualifying coverage, facing a 10% premium increase for each 12-month period you delay, a penalty that can last as long as you have Part B. The penalty applies to Part D (drugs) too, but typically not to premium-free Part A (hospital). You can avoid penalties by enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period (around 65) or a Special Enrollment Period if you're still working with employer coverage. 

How to pay Medicare premium if not receiving Social Security?

If you're not collecting Social Security but have Medicare (especially Part B), you pay directly via mailed bills (CMS-500), using bank online bill pay, Medicare Easy Pay, phone, or by setting up automatic deductions from a checking/savings account or annuity, as premiums aren't withheld from benefits you aren't receiving. 

Is it a good idea to get Medicare if you're still working at 65?

It's often a good idea to get premium-free Medicare Part A at 65, but delaying Part B makes sense if you have good employer coverage (from a large company, 20+ employees), as you avoid premiums and penalties, but you must enroll in Part A to avoid HSA issues and it acts as secondary coverage. If you have a small employer (under 20 employees) or private coverage not considered "employer group health," you likely need both A & B at 65 to avoid penalties and make Medicare primary. Always check with your benefits administrator first to compare costs and rules. 

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

A Medicare application generally takes a few weeks to a couple of months (around 4-8 weeks) for approval, but processing times vary based on application volume, accuracy, and when you apply, with some taking longer; you'll get a confirmation letter, but waiting past 60 days warrants a follow-up with the Social Security Administration (SSA), notes Medicare.org and Boomer Benefits. 

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 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 ($202.90 in 2026).

What is the new Medicare rule for 2025 over 65?

Starting in 2025, there is an annual limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for prescription medications through Medicare and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. All prescription medications, including specialty medications, covered by Part D plans are included under this cap.

What are the income brackets for Medicare?

Medicare income brackets, known as Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA), determine higher premiums for Part B (medical) and Part D (prescription drug) based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior, with 2026 brackets starting for individuals over $109,000 and couples over $218,000, increasing in tiers for higher incomes up to $500,000+ for individuals.