Social Security and Medicare are federal programs that work together to help you access benefits as you age. While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees Medicare, the Social Security Administration handles applications for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and may collect Medicare premiums from your Social Security benefits.
Because these programs are connected, when you choose to start receiving Social Security benefits can affect how and when you enroll in Medicare.
If you’re considering delaying Medicare enrollment or waiting to claim Social Security benefits after age 65, it’s important to understand how these decisions may impact your Medicare coverage. Read on to learn how Social Security and Medicare work together and what it could mean for your enrollment timeline.
What do I need to know about Social Security and Medicare Enrollment?
The timing of your Social Security benefits can affect how and when you enroll in Medicare.
Signing up for Social Security can affect how you enroll in Medicare. If you receive Social Security benefits before age 65, you’ll typically be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when you become eligible. Your Medicare Part B premium may also be deducted directly from your Social Security benefit payments.
If you aren’t receiving Social Security benefits, you will generally need to enroll in Medicare yourself when you become eligible and pay your premiums directly.
Timing Social Security benefits with Medicare enrollment: You have options
Most people qualify for Social Security benefits after working and paying Social Security taxes for at least 10 years (40 credits). If you’re not sure whether you qualify, check with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The amount you receive is based on your earnings history and the age when you begin claiming benefits. While you can start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62, waiting until your full retirement age or later may increase your monthly payment.
If you delay claiming benefits beyond your full retirement age, your monthly benefit generally increases by about 8% each year until age 70. After age 70, there is typically no additional increase for waiting.
If you're interested in calculating your potential Social Security benefits at different ages, use the calculator.
When you take Social Security can affect your Medicare enrollment
If you choose to take your monthly Social Security benefit before you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Together, Medicare Parts A and B are known as Original Medicare. For most people who sign up for Social Security before age 65, their Original Medicare coverage starts automatically the first day of the month of their 65th birthday.*
If you choose to wait past 65 to take your Social Security benefits, you'll need to actively apply for Medicare through the Social Security Administration (SSA) once you’re ready to get Medicare coverage.
Are you over 65 and want to sign up for Original Medicare? Start at the SSA website.
It’s also important to remember that, unlike with Social Security, you don't get any extra Medicare benefits if you wait past the age of 65 to enroll in Medicare. In some cases, you could even pay a late enrollment penalty for Medicare.
To learn more about penalties for late enrollment in Medicare, read “How to avoid Medicare late enrollment penalties.”
But that doesn’t mean you have to enroll in Medicare at age 65. In fact, there are several situations where you can delay enrolling in Medicare without paying any penalty if you have certain types of health coverage through your employer.
Social Security and Medicare enrollment: what’s the right move?
What age should you claim Social Security benefits
The short answer: It depends. If you need your Social Security benefits at 62, then you should claim them. But it’s also important to remember that when you choose to take your benefits for Social Security affects how you sign up for Medicare. So be sure to do your research before making a decision.
To help you make an informed choice, take a look at our Social Security and Medicare infographic. It outlines the impact of taking Social Security benefits at different ages and how that timing affects your Medicare enrollment.
Taking Social Security benefits at age 62
Impact on Social Security benefits:
- At 62, your benefits are smaller, but you will receive them for a longer period.
- You receive 70% of your potential cash benefits from Social Security.
Impact on Medicare:
- You will be automatically enrolled into Medicare Parts A and B when you turn age 65.
Taking Social Security benefits at age 65
Impact on Social Security benefits:
- At 65, you receive more cash than you would at 62.
Impact on Medicare:
- You are automatically enrolled into Medicare Parts A and B when you turn age 65.
Taking Social Security benefits at age 70
Impact on Social Security benefits:
- At 70, you collect the maximum amount in your Social Security cash benefits.
- You receive a larger monthly benefit than earlier years, but for a shorter period.
Impact on Medicare:
- You are still eligible for Medicare at 65. You will need to contact Social Security and actively enroll during your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) if you want to take Medicare at 65 and Social Security at 70.
Commonly asked questions about Social Security and Medicare enrollment
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You may qualify for a plan that works with both Medicare and Medicaid if your income and resources meet your state’s requirements. These plans, called Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), can help lower your health care costs and may include added benefits. Contact your state Medicaid office or review plans in your area to see what you qualify for.
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If you were automatically enrolled in Part A, you can sign up for Part B through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online, by phone or at a Social Security office. It’s important to enroll during your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to avoid penalties.
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Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans have low or $0 monthly premiums, but total costs can vary based on coverage, location and the services you use. Review plan details such as copays, provider networks, prescription drug coverage and out-of-pocket costs to better understand what you may pay. Programs like Medicaid, Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs may also help reduce premiums, copays and prescription drug costs. You can also compare plans to check whether your providers and medications are covered to help avoid unexpected expenses.
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You apply for Medicare through the Social Security Administration During the online application process, you provide the required information about your age, work history and current coverage. After you apply, Social Security reviews your information and confirms your enrollment.
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You can apply for Medicare Part A and Part B through the Social Security Administration. You may apply online, call for assistance or visit a local Social Security office. Choose the option that works best for you and make sure you apply during the right enrollment period.