It is natural that this question comes up often. It is confusing because we have a number of different things that we have to deal with and decisions we have to make when we are thinking of retiring or making arrangements now for when we may stop working in the near future. So, there is Medicare, Medicaid, CMS (center for Medicare and Medicaid Services), Social Security, the Department of Health and Human Resources and who knows what other organizations or government agencies or programs you might need to interact with during this period of time. So, what does enrolling or not enrolling in Social Security have to do with getting Medicare set up. This article will shed some light on this subject . . .
Do I need to be getting Social Security to enroll in Medicare?
The simple answer is no, getting Social Security is not a requirement to enroll in Medicare. However, if you are receiving Social Security, you may be enrolled in Medicare automatically.
How do I get Social Security?
Social Security gives monthly payments to retirees, disabled persons, and families of retired, disabled, or deceased workers, according to the National Academy of Social Insurance. The Social Security Administration states that almost all (96%) of American workers are covered under Social Security. Your age at retirement and your lifetime earnings affect your Social Security benefit amount. Higher earnings will result in higher Social Security benefits. The earliest you can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits is age 62, but you may receive more if you wait longer to retire.
If you are younger than 62 and have a disability, you may qualify for Social Security disability or Supplement Security Income after supplying information about your medical condition and work and education history. Types of disabilities that may qualify you for Social Security benefits include:
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- Musculoskeletal system disorders
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- Special senses and speech disorders
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- Respiratory disorders
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- Cardiovascular system disorders
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- Digestive system disorders
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- Genitourinary disorders
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- Hematological disorders
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- Skin disorders
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- Endocrine disorders
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- Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
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- Neurological disorders
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- Mental disorders
While families of retired and disabled workers are eligible for Social Security, families are generally not eligible for Medicare.
How do I enroll in Medicare if I am receiving Social Security?
If you are getting Social Security benefits at least four months before you turn 65, you generally do not need to enroll in Medicare. You will automatically get Medicare Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. If your birthday is the first of the month, your Medicare benefits will start the first day of the prior month. If you decided you want Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you must enroll separately.
If you are getting Social Security because you have a disability, you will automatically get Medicare Part A and Part B after you have been getting disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months. However, Medicare treats some conditions differently from others. If you have ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) you automatically get Medicare Part A and Part B the month your Social Security disability benefits begin. If you enroll in Medicare because you have ESRD (end-stage renal disease) and you’re on dialysis, Medicare coverage generally starts on the first day of the fourth month of your dialysis treatments. Like with ALS, there is no two-year waiting period to enroll in Medicare.
How do I enroll in Medicare if I am not receiving Social Security?
If you are not receiving Social Security benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65, you need to voluntarily enroll in Medicare in order to be covered. You can enroll online, in person, or over the phone.
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- To enroll in Medicare online, apply online at the Social Security website
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- To apply in person, visit your local Social Security office
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- Too apply by phone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday
Article Source: Medicare.com
If you have any questions about this subject or would like to speak to us about any of your Medicare needs in regards to Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans, I would certainly be very happy to speak with you.
I am an independent agent specializing in the senior market. I would be very happy to look at your current coverage and compare it to the marketplace to make sure that you are still getting a good value. My services to you will always be FREE.
Billy Williams
800-499-1942
MedicareHealthInsuranceOptions.com
