Enrolling in Medicare with Social Security Benefits

Are you getting ready to enroll in Medicare? Depending on your circumstances, there are different times to enroll in Medicare. Most people will enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, which is around their 65th birthday month. If you are eligible for automatic enrollment, you should not have to contact anyone to set up your Original Medicare. If you are enrolling in Medicare with Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, or Survivor Benefits, keep reading to learn how it works.

All About Social Security

Social Security (SS) was created to promote economic and financial security for American seniors and those with disabilities. It provides retirement benefits, survivor benefits, and disability income. 

You can qualify and begin receiving SS benefits based on: 

• Your earnings record if you’re 62 or older 
• Disability or blindness 
• Having enough work credits (A minimum of six credits is required, regardless of age) 

Enrolling in Medicare with Social Security

If you receive Social Security benefits for a least four months before your 65th birthday month, you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare. Your benefits would start on the 1st of your 65th birthday month. Most people 65 years or older are eligible for Part A at no cost if you worked the required amount of time and paid your Medicare taxes. However, you will pay a Part B premium, and it will be deducted from your Social Security check.

Once you have Medicare, you can choose between two options. One option is to choose a Medigap policy and pair it with a Part D plan. The other option is to opt for an Advantage plan. You will want to make sure you enroll in your chosen plan during the appropriate enrollment window!

All About Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits people with disabilities or health conditions that keep them from working. You can qualify for SSDI if you are eighteen years old or older. You are eligible for SSDI if you: 

• Are unable to work due to a medical condition that lasts at least 12 months or is terminal 
• Do not currently have a partial/short-term disability 
• Meet the SSA definition of a disability 
• Are younger than retirement age 

You must prove you meet the criteria listed above. The amount you receive depends on your age and the time you worked and paid Social Security. 

Enrolling in Medicare with Social Security Disability Insurance

Everyone receiving SSDI benefits is eligible for Medicare after 24 months. This 24-month timeframe is your waiting period for Medicare coverage. Once you hit that 24-month mark, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. 

Once your Part B becomes effective, your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment will begin. During this time, you can enroll in a Medigap plan without underwriting. However, Medigap plan premiums are generally higher for those under 65. Due to this, you will receive a second 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment once you reach age 65. This means you can enroll in a Medigap plan at the 65-rate and do not have to answer health questions.

Since Medigap plans can be expensive, you may consider a Medicare Advantage plan while under 65. 

What are Survivor Benefits?

Survivor Benefits are for those who are survivors of a spouse, parent, or child that dies. The amount the survivor will receive depends on the number of work credits the deceased earned. As a surviving spouse, you are eligible for survivor benefits if you meet the following: 

• No matter the age you’re at, you care for kids under the age of 16 or who have a disability 
• You have a disability at the age of 50 
• At the age of 60, for partial benefits 
• You are of retirement age 100% of the amount 

A surviving spouse and children can both receive benefits, as well. You should apply as soon as you are eligible. By calling  Social Security, you can get an estimate of benefits. 

Enrolling in Medicare with Social Security Survivor Benefits

Just like regular Social Security benefits, if you’ve been receiving SS Survivor benefits for at least four months before your 65th birthday month, you should be automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B. Your Medicare benefits would begin the first day of your 65th birthday month. 

Conclusion

Whether you are enrolling with Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, or Survivor Benefits – Social Security will automatically enroll you in Medicare. You should receive your Medicare card about 3-4 months before your Medicare is effective. If you have creditable coverage, there will be instructions on how to delay Part B if you plan to go that route. 

If you have any Medicare questions or need any Medicare help – feel free to contact our team of Medicare experts. 

Key Takeaways

• If you are past 65 and sign up for Social Security benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Part A.
• Remember that your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment period is dependent on your Part B effective date. If you want to enroll in a Medigap plan without underwriting, this is the best time to do so.
• Keep in mind that Medigap plans for people under 65 tend to be more expensive.