Do I need to be on Social Security to get Medicare coverage?

You have just turned 65, and you realize that you are a senior citizen now. You still have your job, and you have no plans of retiring for the foreseeable future. You wonder if you can still get some of the benefits to which you are entitled to having made it so far in life. Fortunately, you can get Medicare even if you do not get Social Security. 

How to Apply for Medicare

When a person who is on Social Security turns 65, they will automatically be enrolled in Medicare. If you are not on Social Security, you will have to apply for the government health care program yourself. The process is fairly simple. You can either call the Social Security office or visit the agency’s website. 

It is essential to be mindful of your enrollment dates if you wish to be on Medicare. If you are not a recipient of Social Security, your enrollment period begins three months before you turn 65 and in 3 months after your 65th birthday. For instance, if your birthday is on April 4th, you can enroll as early as February 1st or as late as July 31st. If you enroll outside of your initial enrollment period, you will have to pay a permanent surcharge.

The Different Parts of Social Security 

Medicare has four basic parts. Part A covers hospitalization, and it is usually free. Part B is similar to a traditional health care plan. It covers doctor's visits, physical therapy, chemotherapy, and other outpatient services. Part C is a combination of A and B; it is provided by a private insurance company and it is paid for by Medicare. Part D covers prescription drugs.

If you are not a Social Security recipient, you will pay Medicare directly. Although most people qualify for free part A, there are some circumstances where you may have to pay the surcharge if you are a late enrollee.

Part B comes at a cost of $148.00 a month, but the cost goes up if you do not have Social Security and your income exceeds $88,000 a year.

Part C (also known as MedicareAdvantage) is offered by various Medicare-approved private insurance companies. You will have to shop around for this plan, but it may be worth it. It will often include vision and prescription medication coverage.

Although you do not have to have Social Security to get Medicare, you do have to be a U.S. citizen or you must have had a permanent resident status for at least five years. If your 65th birthday comes before you have been a citizen for five years, you may be stuck with a surcharge.

You have been told all of your life that your senior years are your golden years. If you have the proper medical insurance and you take good care of yourself, you can have the wisdom that age gives you and the strong body that good health insurance affords. Click to learn more. 

Authoritative Sources:

https://pixabay.com/photos/business-businessman-chair-computer-1839191/

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-security-benefits.asp