Do I Automatically Get Medicare When I Turn 65?

November 03, 2024•3 min read

Understanding Medicare When You Turn 65

Reaching age 65 is a milestone, and with it comes the opportunity to get Medicare. But do you automatically get Medicare when you turn 65? The answer isn't always straightforward. Here's what you need to know about becoming eligible for Medicare and what steps you might need to take to sign up for Medicare.

Do You Automatically Get Medicare When You Turn 65?

Most people think they automatically get Medicare when they turn 65, but that's not always the case. Whether you automatically get Medicare depends on your situation:

If you're already receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you will automatically get Part A and Part B when you turn 65.
If you're not receiving these benefits, you'll need to sign up for Medicare yourself.

How Social Security Affects Your Medicare Enrollment

If you're already getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you don't need to worry about signing up for Medicare. You'll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. However, if you're not receiving such benefits, you need to contact Social Security to sign up for Medicare.

Initial Enrollment Period: Don't Miss It!

Your Initial Enrollment Period is crucial for avoiding penalties. It starts three months before the month you turn 65 and lasts for seven months. During this time, you can sign up for Part B and other parts of Medicare. Missing this window can result in late enrollment penalties, so it's important to act promptly.

What If You Want Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B covers medical insurance, but you might need to sign up for Part B when you first become eligible. If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you may face a monthly late enrollment penalty.

If you're eligible for premium-free Part A, you can get Part A automatically.
However, if you don't get Part B when first eligible, you might have to pay a penalty.

Special Enrollment Periods: A Second Chance?

Special Enrollment Periods allow you to sign up for Medicare Part B without penalty if you qualify. This can happen if you're covered under a group health plan based on your or your spouse's current employment.

Medicare Based on Disability

If you receive disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you might automatically get Medicare after 24 months. In some cases, like with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), you become eligible for Medicare right away.

Late Enrollment Penalties: What You Need to Know

Enrolling late in Medicare can lead to penalties. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you might pay a monthly late enrollment penalty that lasts as long as you have Part B coverage.