I'm planning to delay Social Security until age 70, but I'm turning 65 soon. How does this affect my Medicare enrollment?

Question

William Gray · Accepted Answer

You can still enroll at 65.  You will need to do this from the SSA website or by visitin your SSA office. 

If you don't enroll at 65 and don't have coverage through a group plan you will be penalized 1% per month for each month you don't have coverage. 

You will be billed by Medicare for your part B premium  3 months at a time.

Gary Church · Answer

Waiting to claim your Social Security at age 70 does not affect your eligibility to start Medicare. If you plan to keep working and your company has 20 or more employees, you're not required to enroll in Medicare; you don't have to enroll. The best option is to meet with a licensed Medicare agent who can guide you.

Answered by Gary Church on September 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

They are two separate things entirely. You can enroll into Medicare at age 65 or delay it if you are still working and insured by an employer plan, IF your company has more than 20 full time employees. It will not affect your Social Security draw later in life.

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

William Lawler · Answer

You should enroll in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. However, if you have group coverage through employment, you can delay enrolling in Part B until your group coverage stops. The Part B premium for 2025 is $185/ month. Bill, contact me.

Answered by William Lawler on August 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states

Answered by William Lawler Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

It doesn't. You don't have to pay your Medicare premium with SS money, you can if you want or switch when you are ready to use your SS.

Bill Wheeler · Answer

Delaying Social Security until age 70 does not prevent you from enrolling in Medicare at age 65. You must actively enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before your 65th birthday, to avoid late enrollment penalties, especially for Part B.

Answered by Bill Wheeler on November 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in KY & IN

Answered by Bill Wheeler Medicare Insurance Agent

Pamela Masters · Answer

That is a very good question and isn’t easily answered in a few sentences. The best way to get a clear answer that fits your circumstances is to go to the medicare website and in the search bar ask the questions you want answered. There are various answers depending on your employer's insurance.

Answered by Pamela Masters on September 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Pamela Masters Medicare Insurance Agent

Charise Karjala · Answer

The question is, I'm planning to delay Social Security until age 70, but I'm turning 65 soon. How does this affect my Medicare enrollment? Well, it doesn't. You go ahead and apply for Medicare. That's it. You can enroll three months prior to your 65th birthday at ssa.gov. There's a provision in there where you can say that you don't want Social Security, which is exactly what you want. You don't want Social Security.

Now, do you pay more if you don't have Medicare and Social Security at the same time? No, you don't. It's just that they're going to send you a bill instead of taking it out of your Social Security check. Okay, makes sense. So if you have an employer-sponsored plan and you want to evaluate whether or not you should keep that while you're delaying your Social Security, it's a very interesting cost-benefit analysis question, and each circumstance is very different.

However, unilaterally, when I run the cost-benefit analysis, people are blown away by the cost savings of using the Medicare system over staying with their employer-sponsored plan in terms of scope, breadth, access to care, and cost-effectiveness.

Gregg Matheny · Answer

Because you will not be recovering social security when you are 65 you will not automatically get Medicare part B. You will need to go to SSA.gov and “apply for Medicare”. I strongly suggest you start this 3 months prior to your 65th birthday month. Additionally, a lot of individuals get part B taken right out of their SS account. You will need to provide SSA with a checking or savings account that they can withdraw a monthly part B premium from.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on April 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Lovell · Answer

Delaying Social Security is merely pushing the check to a later date. Medicare enrollment into A and B is still a mark you don't want to miss. There are penalties for missing the deadline. Make sure you enroll in Medicare especially if you are retired or retiring soon.

Answered by Steven Lovell on August 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, CA & 11 other states

Answered by Steven Lovell Medicare Insurance Agent

Justin Doherty · Answer

If you do not have other "credible" coverage, you should still enroll in Medicare. Since you won't be receiving for Social Security, you will need to submit an application for Medicare Parts A & B. This can be done, in-person or over-the-phone with your local SS office. You may also mail a paper application, or apply online by visiting Social Security's website www.ssa.gov.

Answered by Justin Doherty on September 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CO, CT & 11 other states

Answered by Justin Doherty Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelsey Hentzen · Answer

If you are ready to enroll in Medicare A and B, you are able to enroll in Medicare without taking your Social Security benefits. However, you will receive a quarterly bill in the mail for your Medicare part B premium. You can call social security to make monthly payments instead of quarterly if that works better for you.

Answered by Kelsey Hentzen on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in KS & MO

Answered by Kelsey Hentzen Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Andrews · Answer

Good morning, everybody. The question is, I'm planning to delay Social Security until age 70, but I'm turning 65 soon. How does this affect my Medicare enrollment? Typically, if you're already collecting Social Security income, you would normally expect to receive your Medicare card, Parts A and B, in the mail about two to three months, sometimes even four months, before your Medicare actually starts.

Now, for most people who are not taking Social Security, what they need to do is actually go online to ssa.gov to apply for Medicare that way. If you have insurance through an employer and you're going to continue to work, you don't have to take Medicare as long as you have insurance through an employer that's got 20 or more employees. But basically, if you are planning to delay your Social Security, just know that you need to actively apply for Medicare Part A and Part B. It does not happen automatically.

Darlene Murphy · Answer

Delaying your Social Security Income won't affect being covered by Medicare; however, you will need to Apply for your Medicare benefits and agree to payment terms for your Part B Medical coverage.

Patricia &#039;Tif&quot; Bush · Answer

Social Security and Medicare are independent of one another. In other words, you can delay your Social Security but can start your Medicare anytime on or after age 65. Do you plan to continue to work upon her 65? And will you keep employer coverage?

Answered by Patricia 'Tif" Bush on September 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in ct, FL, NC & SC

Answered by Patricia 'Tif" Bush Medicare Insurance Agent

David Wynne · Answer

Since you’re planning to delay Social Security until age 70 but are turning 65 soon, it’s important to understand that you will not be automatically enrolled in Medicare. Automatic enrollment only happens if you're already receiving Social Security benefits before age 65. Because you're delaying those benefits, you'll need to actively sign up for Medicare yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month window that starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and continues for three months after.

At age 65, most people choose to enroll in Medicare Part A, which covers hospital insurance and is usually premium-free if you or your spouse worked at least 10 years. Enrolling in Part A generally makes sense even if you're delaying Social Security. However, Part B—which covers outpatient medical services—has a monthly premium, and whether you should enroll depends on your current health insurance situation. If you have health insurance through your or your spouse’s active employment, and the employer has 20 or more employees, you may be able to delay enrolling in Part B without penalty. But if your coverage is from a smaller employer or you don’t have creditable coverage, it’s important to enroll in Part B during your IEP to avoid late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage.

Delaying enrollment in Medicare without proper coverage can result in permanent penalties and delayed access to care, so it's critical not to wait until age 70 to make these decisions. If you'd like, I can help you evaluate your current coverage and walk you through the steps for enrolling at the right time.

Nicholas Depke · Answer

This is a really important question and one that catches a lot of people off guard. When you are already receiving Social Security benefits, Medicare enrollment happens automatically, but when you delay Social Security like you are planning to, you have to actively sign up for Medicare yourself or risk facing permanent late enrollment penalties. Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare is a seven month window that includes the three months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and the three months after, and you need to take action during that window to avoid penalties on Part B specifically. Part A is usually premium free for most people so that one is straightforward, but Part B carries a penalty of 10 percent added to your premium for every 12 month period you were eligible but did not enroll, and that penalty stays with you for life. The one exception is if you are still working at 65 and covered under a qualified employer group health plan, in which case you may be able to delay Part B without penalty until that coverage ends. Since you are approaching 65 soon, now is the time to get with a Medicare agent or contact Social Security directly to make sure your enrollment is handled correctly and on time.

Answered by Nicholas Depke on March 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in NE, AZ, FL & 15 other states

Answered by Nicholas Depke Medicare Insurance Agent

Cody Hebden, MBA, CLU, FLMI · Answer

Your choices around Social Security and Medicare are separate. I cannot provide tax or financial advice, so I do recommend you speak to a licensed financial advisor as to your strategy for Social Security withdrawal. As for Medicare, if you're no longer working, it is important to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. Keeping in mind that the earliest your Medicare (Part A&B) would begin is the first day of the month in which you turn 65 (unless your birthday is on the 1st, and then Medicare would begin on the 1st day of the prior month). It's important to opt into Medicare when first eligible, especially if you do not have employer-provided health insurance from yourself or your spouse, to avoid any potential pitfalls (like Medicare associated penalties or late enrollment delays).

Answered by Cody Hebden, MBA, CLU, FLMI on August 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Cody Hebden, MBA, CLU, FLMI Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Meyers · Answer

Social security is your monthly income payments based upon your 20 best years of employment income.
Medicare is the health insurance that most Americans earn from working 40 quarters (or 10 full years) 
You contact the same government office (SSA) to enroll in medicare or start your social security payments.
Now back to the question...
Most people will need to enroll in Medicare part B when they turn 65 or are planning on coming off of credible employer group coverage. If you are still working after 65 check with your HR department as to the specifics about whether you need enroll in part B.

Wagdy Saadalla · Answer

You can delay your social Security with no problems on your enrollment for Medicare, when you turn 65 you have to enroll in Medicare part B otherwise there will be a penalty of 10% for every month you’re late, there is exceptions if you work and have health insurance through your employer, credible coverage to Medicare then you do not have to enroll in part B

Answered by Wagdy Saadalla on October 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in NJ, AZ, CA & 7 other states

Answered by Wagdy Saadalla Medicare Insurance Agent

Tyler Haskell · Answer

Delaying social security to age 70 does not effect your Medicare enrollment. You would enroll in Medicare as usual and Medicare will bill you quarterly for your part B premium (Part A for most people is free). When you turn on your social security in the future, medicare will deduct the part B premium directly from your social security benefit monthly.

Answered by Tyler Haskell on September 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in UT

Answered by Tyler Haskell Medicare Insurance Agent

Colleen Williams · Answer

Even if you decide to take your Medicare at 65, you are not required to take your Social Security benefits. You can always defer your Social Security until age 70 without a problem. You'll still need to apply for Medicare benefits within your initial enrollment period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday.

Answered by Colleen Williams on May 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, FL, MD & NJ

Answered by Colleen Williams Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Kaemmerer · Answer

It won’t affect it . Do you have a work insurance you will continue with until 70? If it is credible coverage to Medicare and doesn’t cost you more than Medicare then you won’t have to get part B until you retire

Answered by Ron Kaemmerer on May 4, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, FL, KS, MO & TX

Answered by Ron Kaemmerer Medicare Insurance Agent

David Quintal · Answer

Turning 65 means you are entering your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period. By delaying your Social benefits until age 70, it has no reflection on your Medicare coverage. You will still need to apply for Part B coverage and Social Security will bill you directly (3 months at a time) for your Part B premium. When you decide to begin your Social Security benefits, your Part B premium will be deducted from your monthly Social Security check.

Answered by David Quintal on June 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in NH, AL, AZ & 14 other states

Answered by David Quintal Medicare Insurance Agent

Annelies Van Schie · Answer

Great question. You can definitely enroll in Medicare at 65 while waiting until 70 for Social Security! Just keep in mind that since you aren't receiving a check yet, enrollment isn't automatic—you’ll need to sign up manually via the SSA website during your 65th birthday enrollment period, and you will simply have to pay the Medicare premiums direct until your Social Security Benefits start.

Answered by Annelies Van Schie on April 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, FL, NC, OK & SD

Answered by Annelies Van Schie Medicare Insurance Agent

Pamela Camey · Answer

Yes, you can receive Medicare Benefits even if you delay taking your Medicare.  You may apply for your Medicare at the age of 65, regardless of when you are planning on taking your social security benefits. You will need to actively apply for Medicare part A and Part B at  
https:// www.ssa.gov. You will also need to pay Medicare directly for you Part B.

Jeffrey Horn · Answer

You still have to sign up for Part A and Part B.  You will have to pay for the Part B monthly premium out of your checking account.

Charles Calvin · Answer

You will still want to opt in for Medicare A & B within the 3 months preceding the month you turn 65. This will guarantee that you don’t incur penalties for late enrollment. Instead of having the Part B premium deducted from Social Security, they will bill you quarterly, until such a time that you activate Social Security and it transitions to monthly deduction.

Answered by Charles Calvin on April 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA, IL, KY & SC

Answered by Charles Calvin Medicare Insurance Agent

Brady Kidwell · Answer

As long as you have creditable covering it won’t affect anything. And what I mean by creditable covering is, prescription drug coverage through your employer or spouses employer.

Jennifer Zimmerle · Answer

It will not affect your Medicare enrollment other than the way you pay for your 
Part B. Because you will not be drawing your social security yet you will be asked to pay your Part B premium quarterly. Once you are drawing social security the premium will be taken from there.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Each of us have the discretion in picking up their SS entitlement up thru age 73 now. When you register online through SSA.gov, you are asked if you want both Parts A and B. Most of us say yes. Then, you are asked if you want to collect your SS entitlement? You can decline this question without any penalty. When you are getting close to age 70, three months before that, you call 1-800-Medicare to explain your wish to begin its collection.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

On your Original Medicare for Part A & Part B it doesn't. You do have an Open Enrollment the Month you turn Age 65. Please use a Broker for assistance. Thank you.

Diana Garner · Answer

Just because you delay drawing Social Security until 70 doesn't mean you can't enroll in Medicare at 65. You're still eligible for Medicare, and you should enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid potential penalties or delays in coverage.

If your employer coverage is as good as Medicare coverage, you can delay accepting Medicare Part B, but you should still take Part A.

The only difference between taking Medicare Part B at 65 and waiting until you start drawing Social Security is that you have to pay the Part B premiums out-of-pocket until your Social Security begins. At that time, Medicare Part B premiums will be deducted from your Social Security before you receive your funds.

Steve Houchens · Answer

There are some variables needed to be know to give you a good answer. First if you’re planning on delaying your Medicare until 70, does this mean you will continue to work and if you do will you have alternative credible coverage from an employer or spouse. If you don’t sign up for Part B and Part D when first eligible then you will start accruing a penalty on both those that will never go away. You need to discuss options with someone with all information needed before making a decision

Answered by Steve Houchens on August 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Tretola · Answer

It all depend upon whether you are still working or not and have continuous creditable coverage.
Delaying Social Security is an option that really doesn't effect selecting Medicare at 65, if that is your choice.

Timothy Brown · Answer

It dependent on the following:

1) If you are employed and are going to remain on employer coverage, you have the option of signing up for Part A only and delaying Part B until you’re no longer on employee coverage.

2) If you’re delaying Social Security benefits but plan on signing up for Part A & B at the same time, Social Security will bill you quarterly for Medicare Part B.

Kristen Skinner · Answer

You will still have Medicare at 65 even though you are delaying your social security. You can delay Part B if you are still employed and have credible coverage. However, if you do not have that option, you have to have Part A and Part B to get an Advantage plan or Medigap plan. And if you do have employer coverage, medicare will be the secondary and the primary will be the employer's insurance. Keep in mind if you have credible coverage with your employer you will not be penalized for not taking Part B or D. If you do not have this option ,and if you do not take Part B and Part D when you turn 65 you will be penalized.

Answered by Kristen Skinner on March 30, 2026

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Kristen Skinner Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pyers · Answer

Social Security and Medicare are 2 different programs. You have a limited time - 3 months before and 3 months after you become eligible at 65. However, if you have creditable coverage that is as good as Medicare at your employer (over 20 employees) you may delay enrolling in Medicare until a later date. You will have a limited window to apply then.

Answered by Michael Pyers on May 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH & MI

Answered by Michael Pyers Medicare Insurance Agent

Frank Carta · Answer

If you are not collecting Social Security, you may pay for your part B directly to Medicare.
However, if you still have creditable medical coverage, you are in good shape until you
lose that coverage due to retirement or plan cancellation, in which case you would sign
up for part B when your coverage stops. Other than that, your Medicare insurance is not
dependent on when you receive Social Security.

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

As long as you have employer group with more than 20 employees there is nothing you need to do until you decide to retire

Terry Salak · Answer

That depends if you are still working and are receiving health insurance benefits through an employer.

Chad Watkins · Answer

How does collecting Social Security affect my Medicare? The answer to this question is that it does not. So whether you're collecting Social Security or not, nothing changes with your Medicare coverage. The only exception is that if you are collecting Social Security, the premium for Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans can be paid by having that money taken out of your Social Security check, which you can only do if you're collecting Social Security. Other than that, having Social Security does not affect your Medicare.

Betty McCarty · Answer

Social Security and Medicare run on two different clocks.

You can wait until 70 to collect your Social Security check — that’s totally fine.

But Medicare doesn’t wait. At 65, you either need to enroll or have qualifying employer insurance. Otherwise, Medicare will charge penalties that last for life. 

So you'll need to make sure your Medicare is handled now, and your Social Security can stay on its own timeline.

Jason Vallejos · Answer

You can delay Social Security Benefits and obtain Medicare at age 65. It will not affect your Social Security retirement benefits.

Sandy Nelson-Tittsworth, CMIP · Answer

As long as you have GROUP health insurance, there is no penalties for waiting till 70 to go to MEDICARE

Paul Dzierzanowski · Answer

Since you are not receiving Social Security benefits at age 65, you will need to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through the Social Security Administration.
 It is important to sign up for Medicare Part A as soon as you are eligible, even if you are still covered by an employer-provided group health plan, to avoid gaps in coverage and potential late enrollment penalties. If you are covered by an employer-provided group health plan, you may be able to delay signing up for Medicare Part B until you retire, but you should check with your employer's benefits representative to confirm this and ensure you do not face penalties.  If you have questions about your specific situation, you can contact me.

Brian Sanet · Answer

The first issue that comes to mind is that your part B monthly premium is deducted from your social security payment. If you're delaying that benefit, you will receive a quarterly bill for that premium.

The next thing, is that if you choose to buy a medicare supplement, that social security payment would be helpful in paying for that premium

Jeremy Henry · Answer

In this scenario I'm assuming the person will be working until age 70. If that is the case and they are covered under a group health plan with their employer they could possibly defer Medicare part B without penalty. 

To avoid the Part B late enrollment penalties, you must have creditable coverage during the time you delay enrolling in Part B. Creditable coverage means you have coverage that meets Medicare's minimum standards. Most group health plans do.

Several other factors can play into this decision like a cost comparison of the group health plan vs. a Medicare plan, differences in coverage between the plans and if a person has an HSA-qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP). These are just a few of the situations I would go over with my client.

Tracy Corwin · Answer

If you have other coverage with prescription benefits there is no effect. If you don’t you need to apply for at least part A and a Part D or when you are ready you will have a monetary penalty that stays with you as long as you have Medicare.

Answered by Tracy Corwin on April 27, 2026

Agent Licensed in OR

Answered by Tracy Corwin Medicare Insurance Agent

John Lopez · Answer

Assuming you are not working with health coverage available elsewhere, it will not affect your Medicare coverage at all. You will enroll for Medicare Parts A & B through your mySSA account online, and assuming you have premium-free Part A, you will pay your Part B premium directly. Once you do begin collecting Medicare, your Part B premium and part D premium (if you have one) will be deducted automatically from your Social Security check monthly.

Answered by John Lopez on April 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in DE, MD, NC, NJ, NY & PA

Answered by John Lopez Medicare Insurance Agent

Toyin Adeleye · Answer

If you're delaying social security, you'll just have to apply for part A and enroll in Part B. You'll still pay what you would've paid, but your billing for the part B Premium would be direct to you instead of coming out of your Social Security. Keep in mind that delaying your social security can mean higher Medicare premiums in the future.

Answered by Toyin Adeleye on November 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in NH

Answered by Toyin Adeleye Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Delaying Social Security until age 70 does not affect your eligibility for Medicare at age 65. You can still enroll in Medicare at age 65, regardless of when you plan to start receiving Social Security benefits. You will need to actively enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. 
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Medicare Eligibility:
Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. 
Social Security Delay:
Delaying Social Security benefits until age 70 will not impact your Medicare eligibility. 
Active Enrollment:
You need to actively enroll in Medicare, even if you are delaying Social Security. 
Initial Enrollment Period:
Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after. 
Potential Penalties:
If you delay enrolling in Medicare beyond your Initial Enrollment Period, you may face penalties on your Part B (and potentially Part D) premiums. 
Automatic Enrollment (If Applicable):
If you are receiving Social Security benefits before age 65, you might be automatically enrolled in Medicare, including both Part A and Part B. However, this doesn't apply if you are delaying Social Security. 
Consult with Social Security:
It's a good idea to contact the Social Security Administration to confirm your specific enrollment period and options. You can also explore resources like Medicare.gov for more information.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Delaying Social Security until age 70 does not prevent you from enrolling in Medicare at age 65. You must actively enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before your 65th birthday, to avoid late enrollment penalties, especially for Part B.

Answered by Bill Wheeler on November 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in KY & IN

Carol Thompson · Answer

Notify Social security first Of not taking SSI till later but you still need to be sure that you are entitled to Part A and have applied for Part B of Medicare. Especially, if you want a Medicare Advantage plan. 

Often times when people do not take their SSI till later you will not show up on CMS - Medicare’s system therefore you must apply for Medicare.

Marcie Barnes · Answer

You can choose to delay Medicare Part B as long as you have credible coverage through employer coverage.  Medicare Part A is premium free and you will be enrollment once you turn 65.

Todd Bostic · Answer

You will just enroll in Medicare when you turn 70, and you will not be penalized for the delay. Waiting to enroll in Medicare is not uncommon.

Jack Mayer · Answer

If you have a credible health plan , once you retire and lose your plan you have 8 months to enroll in Part B and into a health plan without penalty

Dean Chiapetto · Answer

You do not have to turn on your Social Security to have Medicare. As you work money is taken from your pay to pay for Part A of Medicare, as long as you work 40 quarters and pay into Social Security you receive Part A at no cost to you once you turn 65. If you are still working at 65 and are receiving Healthcare from an Employer, you should turn on part A and delay Part B. Once you leave employee coverage you need to turn on Part B and then you have certain rights. 
You can turn you Social Security on as early as 62, currently full retirement age is 67. If you wait past 67 you receive an 8% increase each year until you turn 70.
Make sure you speak with an experienced Health Insurance Agent for correct information.
If you call Social Security they cannot give you any advise.

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

You can delay the Social Security until age 70. You can take your Part A coverage when you turn 65, and you can delay your Part B until you fully retire, if you have employer and creditable coverage as good as Medicare. Do you plan on keeping your employer coverage until age 70?

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on June 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AK, AL & 47 other states

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II Medicare Insurance Agent

Eizel Mere · Answer

You will have to enroll manually into Medicare. You can open an ssa.gov account and do it online or call your local office (quicker online.) You will receive a quaterly Medicare bill to pay your premium. Once you start receiving your social security it will be automatically deducted.

Answered by Eizel Mere on September 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Eizel Mere Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Peck · Answer

You will have to pay your part b premium as a quarterly payment first, then you can set up, through social security monthly payments after that.

Ben Washington · Answer

I'm planning to delay Social Security until age 70, but I'm turning 65 soon. How does this affect my Medicare enrollment? Does not affect your Medicare enrollment but how you pay your part B premium since they cannot take out your social security check you may require paying quarterly

Answered by Ben Washington on May 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL, FL, MN, SC, TX & WI

Answered by Ben Washington Medicare Insurance Agent

Toni Cormier · Answer

In order to delay without a penalty you must ensure that you have creditable coverage in comparison to Medicare Part A and B and prescription drug coverage. If you don't have creditable coverage and don't sign-up for your Medicare benefits when you do you will be subject to penalties for late enrollment.

Answered by Toni Cormier on July 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, CA & OK

Answered by Toni Cormier Medicare Insurance Agent

Lillian Hill · Answer

Delaying your Social Security benefits until age 70 may be a smart financial choice. However, if you are not receiving Social Security checks when you turn 65, you will not be automatically enrolled in Medicare. 

You can sign up for Medicare through the Social Security Administration (SSA) by calling 800‑772‑1213 (TTY 800‑325‑0778). They can walk you through the steps to avoid Medicare late‑enrollment penalties. This includes reviewing any creditable health or drug coverage you may already have—such as insurance from continuing to work, staying on an employer plan, or being covered under a spouse’s plan. To avoid processing delays, contact SSA in as much advance as possible.

In anticipation of an awesome 65th! 🎉

Jim Willis · Answer

I need a lot more information to answer your question.
1.  Are you employed
2.  Does your work provide insurance
3.  Do you intend to pay for your Medicare out of pocket
4.  Why are you delaying your Social Security?
5.  If you wait until 70 to collect, the amount you will lose will take you until the age of about 84 to break even. You can contact me.

Glenn Alterman · Answer

Social security delay has no effect on obtaining Medicare A and B when you age in. 

I’d be glad to sign you up on a Med Supp
and a zero premium Part D.  You can can
$5000 in dental with a vision benefit too for under $40 pm added to your Plan G. This is the best coverage as you can see any doctor who takes Medicare.

Dominic Javier · Answer

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits at age 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. However, since you're delaying Social Security, you will need to take the initiative to enroll yourself.

Answered by Dominic Javier on November 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Dominic Javier Medicare Insurance Agent

Chad Hardy · Answer

Delaying Social Security until 70 is totally fine — it doesn’t affect your Medicare timing at all. The two things aren’t linked anymore.

Since you’re turning 65 and not collecting Social Security, Medicare won’t automatically enroll you. You’ll just need to sign up yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around your 65th birthday).

In most cases, people enroll in:

Part A at 65

Part B at 65 unless they’re still covered by active employer insurance from a company with 20+ employees

If you don’t have that kind of employer coverage, you’ll want to get Part B at 65 to avoid penalties and coverage gaps — even if you’re choosing to wait on Social Security.

Until you start collecting your Social Security benefits at 70, Medicare will simply send you a bill for your premiums. When your benefits kick in later, the premiums start getting deducted automatically.

If you’re unsure which parts you actually need at 65, I’m happy to walk through your specific situation.

Blaine Shipe · Answer

You will have to pay a quarterly bill if you don’t elect to have your Medicare taken from your Social Security check

Robert Nunn · Answer

. You are eligible for Medicare at 65 regardless of your choice to receive Social Security. Go to ssa.gov and on the middle of the page you will see start Medicare Part B , and fill it out which you can do 3 months from birthday month .

Answered by Robert Nunn on April 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 36 other states

Answered by Robert Nunn Medicare Insurance Agent

Fran Lovelace · Answer

If you do not have employer health insurance, you will either need to set up a SS.gov account or go to social security to sign up for Medicare A & B before you can choose a medicare supplement or a medicare advantage plan.

Answered by Fran Lovelace on June 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC, SC & VA

Answered by Fran Lovelace Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Merwin · Answer

Just requires you to manually enroll in Medicare versus an automatic enrollment had you already been drawing SSI. No other effects.

Lyle Affleck · Answer

Your ability to sign up for Medicare is in no way connected to your starting Social Security payments. You sign up for original Medicare benefits through Social Security, and work with a competent Medicare advisor to get you on the plan you need. You can start looking at Medicare plans 3 months prior to the month you turn 65. You have 7 months to select a plan without incurring any penalties.

Answered by Lyle Affleck on May 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in UT, CO, FL & 8 other states

Answered by Lyle Affleck Medicare Insurance Agent

Julia Alves · Answer

This answer isn’t one-size-fits-all!

If you're turning 65 soon but planning to delay Social Security until age 70, just know that Medicare doesn't automatically start and delaying Social Security doesn't always mean you can delay Medicare.

If you’re still working and have employer coverage, you might be able to delay Part B (and Part D) without a penalty, but it really depends on your specific situation. If you don’t have other qualifying coverage, you’ll need to enroll yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month window that starts three months before your birthday month and ends three months after. It’s important to enroll on time to avoid late penalties and make sure you have the coverage you need.

Diana Muhammad · Answer

Your social security benefits is separate from your medical benefits.  It's okay if you choose to delay receiving your social security benefits; particularly,  if you are still working or have not reached full retirement age.  However,  applying for Medicare when you qualify is necessary to avoid fees and penalties.  You have a seven month windows in which to apply for Medicare.  You can apply 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, and you have up and until three months after you turn 65 to sign up for Medicare A and/or B, depending on your situation.   An agent such as myself can assist you.

Steven Maicus II · Answer

Delaying Social Security until age 70 has no impact on your Medicare eligibility, but you must still sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period.
  
Which starts three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday & three months after your birthday-(7month Enrollment window)

 If you don't enroll in Medicare Part B during this period, you may face a permanent late enrollment penalty unless you are covered by a qualifying employer-sponsored health plan.

Robert Moore · Answer

Delaying social security does not affect your Medicare benefit.  However, if you retire at age 65 and delay your Medicare there will be penalties if you do not have credible coverage from 65 to 70.

Mila Grayevsky · Answer

You can sign up for Medicare Parts A and B at 65, even if you're delaying Social Security to 70. Your Initial Enrollment Period is around your birthday. Part B premiums deduct from your bank, not Social Security. Applying online is rather simple , it is usually a quicker option as well

Curtis Stoner · Answer

If you are not drawing social security benefits prior to age 65 you will need to enroll yourself in Medicare. Typically only those receiving their social security prior to 65 will automatically be enrolled.  You can enroll by going to ssa.gov, call or visit your local social security office.

Alisa Mathis · Answer

As long as you are in a credible employer group plan, you can delay your Medicare until you retire from your job, and you will get a 2-month Special enrollment period to sign up for Part B without receiving any penalty.

Seyed Kamarei · Answer

Medicare rules allow you to delay enrollment in Medicare Part B and/or D when you are covered by an employer group health plan, regardless of the number of covered employees, if your health coverage is based on your or your spouse's current, active employment

Sherri Beach · Answer

Delaying Social Security until age 70 does not delay your Medicare enrollment — and this is an important distinction that often surprises people.

Even if you don’t start Social Security at 65, you are still expected to sign up for Medicare around your 65th birthday. Your Medicare eligibility is based on age, not when you begin collecting Social Security benefits.

Most people should enroll in Medicare Parts A and B during their Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and continues for three months after. If you delay enrollment without having other qualifying coverage (such as active employer insurance), you could face late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage.

Part A is usually premium-free if you’ve worked enough years, and many people enroll in it at 65 even if they delay other benefits. Part B has a monthly premium, and delaying it is only recommended if you have other creditable coverage through current employment.

Delaying Social Security simply means your monthly retirement income increases later — it does not change Medicare enrollment rules.

If you’re unsure about timing, it’s a good idea to review your situation carefully, especially if you’re still working or have spousal coverage. A licensed Medicare agent can help you map out the best enrollment strategy so you avoid penalties and stay fully covered.

Dan Griggs · Answer

Maximize your SS payment could be a good deal. Apply for Medicare A at 65. If on a group plan no need to get Part B until you leave the group.

Megan Day · Answer

Are you going to be working until age 70? Delaying your benefits until age 70 should not affect your Medicare benefits as long as you show credible coverage through an employer or spouse employer. Part A is effective the month you turn 65 as long as you have worked 40 credits. You won’t have to pay for part A premiums. You can sign up for part B anytime after you lose credible coverage through an employer or spouse employer.

Jackie Welch · Answer

Great question! You may absolutely choose to delay taking social security without it affecting your Medicare enrollment. You will still need to enroll in Medicare within your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to avoid penalties. (Unless you are delaying Medicare because you have other credible coverage from an active employer plan) In the case that you are on Medicare prior to Social Security you will be paying your Part B premium directly rather than having it come out of a social security check.

Joley Hanson · Answer

Great question, there are several factors to be considered. Going to a Medicare 101 would be a benefit when making some of those choices. Schedule a review with a licensed agent to discuss your plans.

Earl Poole · Answer

As long as you are covered by an Employer plan (yours or a spouse) you are not required to sign up for Medicare Part B. You can sign up for Part A because generally its free. Make sure that with the Employer plan that you have a creditable drug plan. The benefits administrator can tell you. You can delay your Part B enrollment until you leave the Employer plan.

Tolga Dogruyol · Answer

It really doesn't, you can still get Medicare or sign up for Part A and B you would just have to pay Part B premiums 3 months at a time via check. If you already have insurance through where you work you can defer Part B until the day you retire and that will open up a new enrollment period