Can you get Medicare without Social Security?

Question

Ann Sanfelippo · Accepted Answer

Yes — you can get Medicare without collecting Social Security benefits. You can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B independently through the Social Security Administration.

However, you must still meet eligibility requirements, such as being 65 or older or qualifying through disability. If you’re not receiving Social Security, you’ll simply pay your Part B premium directly instead of having it deducted from a benefit check.

Roger Werking · Answer

Yes

Yes. You can apply and get Medicare if you are not drawing Medicare.

Roger Werking 
Contact me.

Duane Everding · Answer

Yes, you're not required to take your social security right away when you first enroll in Medicare.  You will, however, need to pay via alternate payment method for your Part B premiums.

Maxine Burgess, MBA · Answer

Certainly! You get get Medicare without taking your social security benefits. You can contact social security directly, online, via telephone, or at your local office.

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Yes, if you meet Medicare's criteria. If you do meet the criteria, then you can pay the premiums for Original Medicare Part A & Part B. Medicare will send you invoices for the premiums.
Generally, it is sent quarterly. Thank you.

Harold Randolph · Answer

Yes you absolutely can get Medicare without Social Security. 

Generally the Part B premium of $202.90 (2026) is paid out of your social security benefit. The only adjustment you will have to make is that your Medicare part B premium will be direct billed due quarterly. In 2026 $608.70 is the quarterly bill total.

Julie Kovacevich · Answer

Yes, you can apply for Medicare benefits without starting your Social Security benefits. In that case, you would be responsible for paying your Part B premium directly until you begin collecting Social Security, at which time the premium is typically deducted from your monthly benefit. You would also need to pay a premium for Medicare Part A if you have not earned the required 40 quarters of paying into Social Security through work history.

Answered by Julie Kovacevich on April 24, 2026

Broker Licensed in NV, AZ, CA & 6 other states

Answered by Julie Kovacevich Medicare Insurance Agent

Dean Chiapetto · Answer

You are able to get Medicare at age 65 weather you have started collecting Social Security or not. If you are asking, can you receive Medicare if you did not pay into Social Security you would need to pay for parts A and B. You must be a US citizen.
Contact a local insurance Broker.
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Dominic Javier · Answer

Yes, you can absolutely get Medicare without receiving Social Security benefits. In fact, many people delay Social Security until age 70 to maximize their monthly checks while still enrolling in Medicare at 65 to ensure they have health coverage.

Answered by Dominic Javier on May 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Dominic Javier Medicare Insurance Agent

Clarence Davis · Answer

Depending on your situation, you could possibly get Medicare without Social Security. It all depends on what income will pay for your premiums.

Jack Havice · Answer

Yes, you can. You'll need to apply for Medicare through Social Security (SSA.gov), and elect to start JUST your medicare, not social security. You'll receive a quarterly bill for part B premiums, you can elect to have it taken from your bank monthly on Medicare.gov.

Answered by Jack Havice on April 24, 2026

Broker Licensed in va

Answered by Jack Havice Medicare Insurance Agent

Can you get Medicare without Social Security?

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Can you get Medicare without Social Security?

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Agent Locator

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A non-government resource website