Medicare Questions & Answers: Social Security
Social Security Q&A
Showing 9 questions
What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?
If you are already retired AND collecting Social Security, congratulations! A few months ahead of your birth month you will be AUTOMATICALLY enrolled in Medicare A and B. Among the piles of literature you receive from health insurance companies, you will be sent a card in the mail showing your Medicare ID# and effective dates (the month you turn 65). If you plan on using Medicare as your health insurance moving forward you do not need to take any further action.
I've been on disability for years and am about to turn 65. Do I automatically get Medicare because I'm on Social Security, or do I need to do something?
If you already have Medicare benefits due to disability, you just continue to have your Medicare benefit. If you like to change your plan such as the Medicare supplement plan, you are eligible to an open enrollment period that begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your 65th birthday. Please ask your Medicare insurance agent.If you don't have Medicare benefits now and have enough Medicare credit, you will automatically receive your medicare benefit.
I prefer to access to Social Security Administration on WEBSITE.
https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
How do Social Security and Medicare work together for people with disabilities?
For people with disabilities, Social Security and Medicare are closely connected. If you're under 65 and approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you’ll automatically become eligible for Medicare after receiving disability benefits for 24 months. At that point, you’ll be enrolled in both Part A and Part B. If you have ALS, Medicare starts right away with no waiting period. Your Part B premium will typically be deducted from your Social Security check, just like it is for those 65 and older. From there, you can choose to add a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan—or even a supplement, depending on your situation. It's a complex process, but having someone guide you through your options can really make it easier.
I thought I signed up for both Part A and B when I got my Social Security, but now I'm getting bills for Part B. Did I miss something during the enrollment period?
Yup. If you don't speak to an experienced and honest agent, you won't know what your monthly payments will be. For example, there is a premium for the Part B, for the Part B one-time per year deductible, possibly a Medigap plan along with a Part D(rug) plan. If you want better coverage for the more expensive Dental, Vision & Hearing procedures, that can also be an extra cost per month. Sounds like you tried to get around using an agent whereas YOU are not paying for the agent's commission since the firm you chose pay the agents!
I'm planning to delay Social Security until age 70, but I'm turning 65 soon. How does this affect my Medicare enrollment?
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.
I'm living solely on Social Security of $1,400 monthly and can't afford my Medicare premiums and copays. What assistance programs might help someone in my situation?
A person of this income level may qualify for Medicaid, which is a separate agency from Medicare, administered by individual States, for low-income folks. Apply through Department of Health and Human Services in your state. If you qualify for Medicaid, it can go along with your Medicare. This is referred to as dual-eligible (Medicare & Medicaid). Dual eligible individuals qualify for additional benefits. There is another program for low-income folks called Extra Help for Prescription Drug Costs. The income brackets for this program are slightly higher than those for Medicaid. Some folks qualify for Medicare, Medicaid and Extra Help for Prescription Drug Costs. If necessary, I'm able to guide folks in applying for Medicaid and/or Extra Help. Additionally, I offer benefit reviews at no charge, to see if I can offer you more benefits or lower premiums or both.
Does IRMAA go away automatically if my income drops, or do I need to report it to Social Security?
Completing your income tax return should change your recorded income for calculating IRMAA. Even with that being said, it makes sense to go ahead and attach your income tax form with an appeal to insure your surcharge is removed.
When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?
This is a good question.If you qualify to receive social security based on your own work record, and if you qualify for survivor's benefits as well, it is unlikely that you will receive both. Uncle Sam will most likely payout the higher of the two amounts, not both.
If you do not qualify for social security on your own, and your spouse passes away, you may be eligible for the survivor benefit. There are certain criteria that must be met in order to qualify. I would absolutely encourage you to check out ssa.gov for more info.
Can I enroll in Medicare if I've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas?
Yes, you can enroll in Medicare even if you've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas. However, your eligibility and costs will depend on your residency status and work history.Medicare Eligibility Without U.S. Work History
To qualify for Medicare, you must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five continuous years before applying.
While most people receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premium-free by earning 40 work credits (approximately 10 years of work paying into Social Security), you can still enroll in Medicare by paying premiums if you haven't met this requirement
Costs Without Work Credits
Part A (Hospital Insurance): If you have fewer than 30 work credits, you'll pay the full premium for Part A. For 2025, this premium is up to $505 per month.
Social Security
Part B (Medical Insurance): Part B requires a monthly premium for all enrollees, regardless of work history. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185 per month
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