What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65?

If you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65 and aren't covered by other creditable insurance (like an employer plan), you might face a late enrollment penalty, paying 10% extra on your premium for twice the years you delayed, but this usually only applies if you have to buy Part A (i.e., worked less than 10 years). For most people who qualify for premium-free Part A (worked 40+ quarters), there's no penalty, but you can delay enrollment without penalty if you have group health coverage through an employer (yours or a spouse's) to avoid gaps. Missing enrollment can also mean a gap in hospital coverage or having to wait for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up later.

Is it mandatory to enroll in Medicare at age 65?

Is Medicare Mandatory At Age 65? Enrolling in Original Medicare is not mandatory, but you might have gaps in coverage or will have to pay late enrollment penalties if you don't enroll when your first eligible.

Do you have to pay for Medicare Part A when you turn 65?

No, Medicare Part A isn't strictly mandatory at 65, but it's highly recommended and often automatic if you receive Social Security, with penalties for delaying if you don't have other creditable job-based coverage. Part A is usually premium-free if you or your spouse worked 10 years, making it a great primary or secondary insurer, while delaying Part B (medical) is fine with employer coverage but triggers penalties later if you don't sign up when that job-based insurance ends. 

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 do you pay for Medicare if you don't take social security at 65?

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. If you have additional questions about Medicare, you can visit their website at www.medicare.gov/basics or call them at 1-800-633-4227.

What Happens If I Don’t Enroll in Medicare Part A at Age 65? | Medicare Made Simple Guide News

Is there a penalty for not getting Medicare at 65?

Yes, there's a penalty for delaying Medicare Part B (medical insurance) past 65 if you don't have other creditable coverage, typically an extra 10% added to your premium for each 12-month period you're late, often for life, but you can avoid this with a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you or your spouse are still working and have group health plan coverage. There's usually no penalty for Part A (hospital insurance) if it's premium-free from working, but Part D (prescription drugs) also has penalties if you delay without coverage. 

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 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).

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. 

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. 

What happens if I don't take Medicare Part A?

If you were eligible for Part A for 2 years but didn't sign up, you'll have to pay the higher premium for 4 years. Usually, you don't have to pay a penalty if you meet certain conditions that allow you to sign up for Part A during a Special Enrollment Period. Find out if you're eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

Is Medicare Part A ever free?

Medicare Part A costs will vary person-to-person, but for most people, Medicare Part A is premium-free. It still has a deductible, which you pay per benefit period, and it also requires copays for covered services in the hospital, a skilled nursing facility or for hospice.

Who is exempt from paying Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A is usually free if you or your spouse paid Medicare payroll taxes for approximately 10 years while working (this is called “premium-free Part A”).

Can I delay Medicare Part A if working?

If an employer has 20 or more employees, generally you can choose to delay Medicare enrollment, drop your employer coverage for Medicare, or have both Medicare and employer coverage. If an employer has fewer than 20 employees, generally you will need to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period.

Do you need to contact Social Security when you 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). 

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 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. 

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Yes, you can drop your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and return to Original Medicare, typically during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (Oct 15–Dec 7) or the MA Open Enrollment Period (OEP) (Jan 1–Mar 31), though you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you move or have other qualifying life events, but be aware you'll need to get a Part D plan and might want a Medigap plan to help with costs. 

Why are seniors choosing Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare?

Simply put, a growing majority of seniors choose MA because it provides better and more coordinated care, more comprehensive benefits, better outcomes and increased savings and financial security compared to FFS Medicare. For most Medicare-eligible patients, these advantages are available for no additional premium.

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 can I lower my 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. 

What is the best secondary insurance if you have Medicare?

Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies in 2026

• UnitedHealthcare / AARP – Best Plan Pairing: Plan G or Plan N.
• Cigna Healthcare – Best Plan Pairing: Plan G.
• Humana – Best Plan Pairing: Plan N.
• Aetna (CVS Health) – Best Plan Pairing: Plan N.

What states have the worst Medicare Advantage plans?

States often cited for weaker Medicare Advantage performance include Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Florida, due to challenges with care access, provider shortages, and quality issues like higher rates of avoidable hospitalizations and inappropriate medication prescriptions, though specific rankings vary by report and focus (e.g., satisfaction vs. overall system). Other states like New York, California, Texas, and Michigan appear on lists for low member satisfaction with specific plans, not necessarily the whole state's system. 

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.