Can you receive Social Security and Medicare at the same time?

Yes, you can receive Social Security (SS) and Medicare at the same time, and for most people, receiving SS benefits triggers automatic enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65, with premiums often deducted directly from your SS check. You can enroll in one without the other, but if you're already collecting SS, you'll likely get Medicare automatically; however, you can delay starting SS to avoid paying Medicare Part B premiums if you're still working and have other coverage.

When can you collect Medicare and Social Security?

If you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits between age 62 and up to 4 months before turning 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65.

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve late enrollment (leading to penalties), not understanding the choice between Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage, failing to enroll in Part D (prescription drug) coverage, delaying Medigap (supplement) purchase, and assuming coverage stays the same year-to-year, missing the annual review to compare costs, providers, and drug formularies, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs. Many people also mistakenly think Medicare covers long-term care or that their spouse is automatically covered. 

How much are Social Security and Medicare combined?

NOTE: The 7.65 percent tax rate is the combined rate for Social Security and Medicare. The Social Security portion (OASDI) is 6.2 percent on earnings up to the applicable taxable maximum amount (see below). The Medicare portion (HI) is 1.45 percent on all earnings.

How does Medicare work with Social Security?

Managing premiums: If you receive Social Security when you enroll in Medicare, Part B premiums are automatically deducted from monthly Social Security benefits. If you're not yet receiving Social Security benefits, you'll need to pay your premiums directly to Medicare.

Enroll in Social Security & Medicare at the Same Time

Can I have both Social Security and Medicare?

Medicare is our country's health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You'll sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, so you can make both retirement and Medicare choices and withhold any premiums from your benefit payments.

Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?

Social Security stops paying your Medicare Part B premium (by stopping deductions from your check) usually because you enrolled in a plan that covers it (like some Medicare Advantage plans with a "giveback"), qualified for extra help/Medicaid, your income changed, or there was an administrative error, meaning you'll get a higher SS check but now must pay Medicare directly or risk losing coverage, as the agency sends you a bill instead. 

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

No, not everyone pays $170 a month for Medicare; most people get premium-free Part A, but Part B has a standard premium (around $200+ in 2026) that increases with income, and Part D costs vary, with some people paying premiums while others don't, depending on work history and income levels for different parts. The $170 figure likely refers to an older Part B premium or a specific income bracket, as 2026 standard Part B is higher. 

Do you get Social Security and Medicare tax back?

If your employer has withheld Social Security or Medicare taxes in error, follow these steps: Request a refund from your employer. You must first request a refund of these taxes from your employer. If your employer is able to refund these taxes, no further action is necessary.

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.)

What are the 5 things Medicare does not cover?

Medicare (Original Parts A & B) generally doesn't cover **Long-Term Care, **Most Dental Care, **Routine Vision Care, **Hearing Aids & Exams, and Cosmetic Surgery, leaving gaps for daily needs like dentures, glasses, hearing aids, ongoing care, or elective procedures, though these can often be supplemented with Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medigap Plans. 

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, as Medicare offers standardized coverage, lower admin costs, and broad access (Original Medicare), while private insurance often provides family coverage, potential out-of-pocket maximums (in MA plans), and network flexibility, but usually at higher premiums. Key differences involve cost structures (Medicare's lower admin vs. private's potential for higher costs/premiums), coverage specifics (Original Medicare's lack of an out-of-pocket cap vs. private/MA plans), and family eligibility (private covers dependents, Medicare doesn't). 

What is the 7 month rule for Medicare?

This is called your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. My birthday is on the first of the month.

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000 a month in Social Security, you generally need high lifetime earnings, often requiring over $100,000 annually for your 35 highest-earning, inflation-adjusted years, and claiming benefits at your full retirement age (FRA) or waiting until age 70 for the maximum, though some high earners claim earlier for slightly less. The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates benefits based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) from your top 35 years, so consistently earning above the wage base cap helps significantly. 

What disqualifies a person from Medicare?

You can be disqualified from Medicare for not being a U.S. citizen/resident, lacking sufficient work history for premium-free Part A (though you can pay), certain serious criminal convictions (fraud, abuse, felonies in the last 10 years for providers), or for actions like non-payment of premiums, moving out of the country, or incarceration. For providers, criminal history, especially related to healthcare fraud or patient abuse, leads to denial of billing privileges. 

Is Medicare free for seniors in the US?

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for almost everyone. You have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you may wonder if it's worth the monthly premium costs to sign up for Part B.

Why is my Medicare $500 a month?

Medicare Premiums Over $500

However, if you have a higher-than-average income, your Part B premiums start going up on a sliding scale. How much extra you pay is based on the income you reported to the IRS two years ago.

At what age do you stop paying Medicare premiums?

Your CalPERS health coverage will automatically be canceled the first day of the month after you turn 65. See Cancellation of CalPERS Health Coverage for information on reinstating your health coverage.

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

That extra $144 (or more/less, depending on the year) isn't a standard Social Security payment; it's the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage plans, which reduces your Part B premium and adds money back to your Social Security check if you pay your premium that way, but you must have Medicare Parts A & B, pay your own premium, and live in the plan's service area. 

What reduces my Social Security benefits?

Social Security benefits can be reduced due to claiming them before your Full Retirement Age (FRA), having earnings above yearly limits while receiving benefits (the earnings test), Medicare premiums or other debts (like taxes or student loans) being withheld, or changes in your income/living situation for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Low-earning years in your work history can also lower your benefit calculation, and working longer replaces those low years, increasing your benefit. 

Does Social Security take Medicare out of your check?

If you are receiving monthly benefits from Social Security, Medicare premiums are usually deducted automatically. If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will mail you a quarterly bill with instructions on how to pay your premium.

Why do you have to wait 24 months for Medicare?

When instituted in 1972 the waiting period was intended to limit Medicare costs. However, providing health insurance to those in the waiting period may reduce Medicare spending on these individuals over the long term.

How much will I have to pay for Medicare when I turn 65?

At age 65, most people pay $0 for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) if they've worked 10+ years, but pay the standard $202.90/month for Part B (Medical Insurance) in 2026, plus potentially higher amounts for Part B and Part D (prescription drugs) if they have higher incomes; there are also deductibles and coinsurance. Total costs vary widely depending on income, work history, and chosen plans (like Advantage or Part D).