Does everyone automatically get Medicare at 65?

No, not everyone automatically gets Medicare at 65; you're only automatically enrolled in Parts A & B if you're already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits at least four months before turning 65, otherwise you must sign up, especially to avoid penalties if you delay coverage. If you're still working and have employer health coverage, you can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without penalty, but need to sign up later during a Special Enrollment Period.

Is it mandatory to get on Medicare at 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.

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 Medicare is free for seniors?

Part A is free if you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You may also be eligible because of your current or former spouse's work.

Do you automatically receive a Medicare card?

Yes, Medicare automatically sends you a card if you're enrolled, usually in a "Welcome to Medicare" package about three months before your coverage starts, especially if you're already getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, but if you sign up manually, you'll get it within about 30 days of approval, and separate cards for Part C or D come from private insurers.
 

Medicare: Why you need to sign up when you're 65, even if you're still working

How do I know if I get Medicare automatically?

If you are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A. Part A coverage begins up to 6 months before the month you apply if you are over 65. Contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) after your Medicare coverage begins may result in additional taxes.

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). 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

How do I avoid paying Medicare Part B?

You can avoid the Medicare Part B premium by delaying enrollment if you have creditable employer coverage (from a current job with 20+ employees) or by qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to have the state pay it, but generally, you must enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or face lifelong penalties if you don't have other qualifying coverage. If you have other creditable insurance, you can delay Part B and sign up later within 8 months of that coverage ending without penalty. 

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.

Does Medicare cover dental and vision?

NARRATOR: Medicare Part A and part B do not provide coverage for dental, vision and hearing. The icons of the toothbrush, eye exam, and human ear appear. All three of them have a red X marked overtop of them.

Can I collect Social Security and not have Medicare?

Yes, you can get Social Security without Medicare, especially if you're under 65 or have other creditable coverage like an employer plan, but if you're over 65 and already receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you'll usually be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital) and can delay Part B (medical) if you have other insurance. You can also apply for Social Security benefits (like retirement) before 65 and not get Medicare until later, but if you're on disability (SSDI), Medicare usually kicks in after 24 months. 

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.

What are the three words to remember for a Medicare wellness exam?

For a Medicare Wellness Exam's cognitive test, the three common words to remember are often "banana," "sunrise," and "chair," used in the Mini-Cog screening to check your memory and thinking skills; you say them immediately and then recall them after a few minutes. 

What does Dave Ramsey say about Medicare?

Dave Ramsey's Medicare advice centers on planning ahead, understanding enrollment periods to avoid penalties, using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) if possible, and supplementing Original Medicare with Medigap or Medicare Advantage (Part C) to cover gaps like dental, vision, and long-term care, stressing that mistakes can be costly and recommending expert advice for personalized choices. 

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.
 

What is the best health insurance for seniors on Medicare?

There's no single "best" health plan, as it depends on your needs, but top providers for Medicare Advantage (Part C) include Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and BCBS, offering diverse benefits like $0 premiums, extra perks, and strong networks, while Medigap (Medicare Supplement) complements Original Medicare by filling gaps, with popular carriers like AARP/UHC, Anthem, and Cigna providing standardized policies (Plans G, F, N), with personalized choices best found via your State SHIP counselor or broker. 

How to lower Medicare premiums?

To lower Medicare premiums, report income drops from life events like retirement (Form SSA-44), apply for low-income help like Extra Help or Medicaid, use HSA funds for premiums, deduct premiums from taxes, switch to a cheaper Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan, or check if you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through your state. 

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

The amount taken from your Social Security check for Medicare is primarily for Part B (Medical Insurance), with the standard 2025 premium being about $185/month for most, but can be higher based on income (IRMAA) or lower due to "hold harmless" rules. Other costs like Part D (Prescription Drug) premiums (IRMAA) and sometimes Part A (Hospital) can also be deducted. The exact amount varies, but it's automatically deducted and appears on your Social Security statement. 

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:

• Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
• Long-term care.
• Cosmetic surgery.
• Massage therapy.
• Routine physical exams.
• Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

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.