What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?

Question

Charles Wheeler · Accepted Answer

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.

Answered by Charles Wheeler on February 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, CT, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Charles Wheeler Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

That is quite all right. Medicare does not begin until you are 65 and is not part of the Social Security program. Age 65 is the most important date in the Medicare system. 62 and 70 are also important dates under the Social Security system.

Answered by Larry Dalton on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Answer

In this case, you will be auto-enrolled in Medicare. When you get your red, white and blue Medicare card in the mail, pick a Medicare supplement plan plus a Part D Rx plan or an MAPD plan. Your independent Medicare agent can help with this.

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen on March 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI, AZ, CA & 16 other states

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen Medicare Insurance Agent

Bill Green · Answer

If you're already retired and collecting Social Security when you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Your red, white, and blue Medicare card will typically arrive about 3 months before your 65th birthday. Part A is usually premium-free since you've paid into it through taxes, but Part B does come with a monthly premium, which will be deducted from your Social Security check. If you don’t want Part B right away—for example, if you have other coverage—you’ll need to actively opt out. This is also the time to look at whether a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan makes sense for your situation. It’s a good idea to talk through your options with someone who can help make sure your coverage fits your needs and budget.

Answered by Bill Green on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 19 other states

Answered by Bill Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Palazzini · Answer

You will be automatically enrolled into Medicare Parts A and B. 

Part C, Part D and a Supplement must be done on your own time.

Amy Putrino · Answer

Medicare will automatically start the month you turn 65, if you are collecting Social Security. You will be receiving a Medicare card approximately three months before the month of your birthday. Now all you have to do is choose an advisor, who can help you find a plan to fit your personal needs and budget.

Answered by Amy Putrino on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in RI, CT, FL & 11 other states

Answered by Amy Putrino Medicare Insurance Agent

Vincent Esposito · Answer

if spouse is younger and working you  may not need to enroll in medicare. If your still employed you can delay enrolling in medicare if your on an employer sponsored plan

Diane Andree · Answer

If you are aready retired and collecting Social Security when you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare.  Your card should arrive timely, amonth or two before your birthday.

Charise Karjala · Answer

Typically, Social Security will send out your Medicare Benefits card 3 months prior to your 65th birthday month.
You may also be eligible for Medicaid, which makes things a little more complicated in accessing different plans, or you may involuntarily be enrolled in a plan without your knowledge.

Get with a competent Medicare broker (non a salesperson); they can do a thorough needs and situation analysis and assist you to understand your options and develop a winning healthcare strategy.

Jay Larshus · Answer

If you already drawing Social Security prior to turning 65, Social Security/Medicare will automatically enroll and mail your Medicare card with both Part A and Part B approximately 3 months prior to the month you turn 65.

Answered by Jay Larshus on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN & VA

Answered by Jay Larshus Medicare Insurance Agent

Renee Brown · Answer

This is a question I answer frequently from my clients. If you are already drawing social security when you turn 65, then you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A& B by Social Security and you do not have to do anything. Once you get the part A and B, then you will need to either sign up on a Drug Plan for Part D, or sign up with a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan to go with it.

Answered by Renee Brown on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Renee Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Alyssa Gonzales · Answer

You’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, no need to sign up yourself. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail a few months before your 65th birthday.

Lauren Singer · Answer

For Social Security when you want your benefits to start, which could be as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare — no need to let Social Security know that your birthday is coming.

Answered by Lauren Singer on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC

Answered by Lauren Singer Medicare Insurance Agent

Jane Ahrens · Answer

You will automatically be enrolled in Parts A and B and receive your Medicare card during the fourth month preceding your birthday month. It will still be effective on the first day of month of your birthday month unless you were born on the 1st of a month. In that case, your coverage begins on the 1st day of the previous month.

Answered by Jane Ahrens on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, AL, AZ & 16 other states

Answered by Jane Ahrens Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregg Matheny · Answer

Easiest situation possible! Three months prior to your 65th birth month Social Security will start the process of getting you set to start on Medicare parts A and B on the first day of your 65th birth month. You don’t have to do anything besides keep an eye out on the mailbox for your Medicare ID card and instructions on how to pay your Medicare part B premium.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

That just makes it easy! You turn on your Part A and B, elect a Part D Prescription plan, and you're ready to go! 
Now, if you decide to go with a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will give up those benefits to take the privatized company insurance. Either way, it's pretty simple!

Timothy Brown · Answer

Any who is retired and currently collecting Social Security benefits will automatically receive their Medicare care as early as 3 months prior to their 65th birthday.

Michael Pyers · Answer

Then you will automatically be signed up for Medicare. Your Social Security check with have the part B premium withheld from the check you are receiving. Unless you qualify for the extra help available for people with lower incomes and assets.

Answered by Michael Pyers on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH & MI

Answered by Michael Pyers Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Joyce · Answer

You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare! Which means you dont have to sign up through Social Security (really cuts down on your wait time).

Helena Foutz, RSSA · Answer

If you're already retired and collecting Social Security, then you will be mailed a Medicare card with both Part A and B on it. If you are still on an employer group plan that you really like and it doesn't cost much, you can file form CMS 1763 to return your Medicare for the time being and avoid paying for Part B every month.

Answered by Helena Foutz, RSSA on March 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AK, AR & 12 other states

Answered by Helena Foutz, RSSA Medicare Insurance Agent

George Kolitsas · Answer

In this situation, Social Security will automatically mail your Medicare card in the mail. Usually 3 months prior to the month you turn 65. This is because you are already collecting Social Security income.

Answered by George Kolitsas on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in CT

Answered by George Kolitsas Medicare Insurance Agent

Aisha Saleem · Answer

You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. You don't have to do anything, but it's best to know your options and choose what benefits you the most.

David Christian · Answer

You will automatically be enrolled into Medicare Parts A & B and all you will have to do is review the different plans available to you, make a choice and enroll into the one you want. This can be done the 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month and 3 months after your birthday months.

Answered by David Christian on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & TX

Answered by David Christian Medicare Insurance Agent

Hollie Hittner · Answer

You will automatically be opt in to Medicare. You Red White and Blue card will automatically arrive up to 3 months before your birthday.

Justin Hundley · Answer

If you are already receiving social security benefits when you turn 65, then you will automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B). Your Medicare coverage will start on the first day of the month of your 65th birthday, or the previous month if your birthday happens to be on the first day of the month. 

However, your enrollment into a Medicare supplement, a Medicare advantage plan (Medicare Part C), or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D), is not automatic. I would recommend working with a licensed Medicare agent to discuss what options are available and to help you enroll.

What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website