Do You Receive a Medicare Card Automatically from Social Security at Age 65?

Understanding the Process

What Happens When You Turn 65?

As you approach the age of 65, it's natural to have questions about Medicare enrollment and whether Social Security will send you a Medicare card automatically. This short guide will help you determine if you need to sign up for Medicare or if you will be automatically enrolled.

The Medicare Enrollment Process

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, has a confusing enrollment process since not everyone is automatically enrolled in Original Medicare automatically. 

When to Enroll in Medicare

Understanding the different enrollment periods is important so that you can ensure that  you receive your Medicare benefits on time. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts three months before your 65th birthday month and extends for three months after. This is the ideal time to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B if you are not receiving Social Security Benefits. Missing this window may lead to penalties and delayed coverage. However, if you're under 65 and receiving Social Security Disability Benefits for 24 months, you may become eligible for Medicare during your 25th month of disability benefits.

The Significance of Social Security Benefits

What If You're Already Receiving Social Security Benefits?

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits before turning 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You can expect to get your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday.

What If You Are Not Receiving Social Security Benefits?

If you're not receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you won't be automatically enrolled in Medicare. You will need to enroll yourself into Medicare.

How to Enroll in Medicare

Enrolling in Medicare is a straightforward process with a few options:

1. Online Enrollment: Visit the official Social Security website or the Medicare website to complete your enrollment online. Creating a free account is necessary for signing up.

2. Phone Enrollment: You can Call Social Security at their toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), and a representative will guide you through the enrollment process.

3. In-Person Enrollment: If you prefer a face-to-face interaction, visit your local Social Security office to apply in person. Make sure to check their operating hours and bring the required documentation.

What If You Delayed Social Security Benefits?

If you chose to delay your Social Security benefits beyond the age of 65, you will still need to take the initiative to enroll in Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period mentioned earlier.

Conclusion

To sum up, Social Security does not automatically send you a Medicare card at age 65 in all cases. It's crucial to proactively enroll in Medicare during the appropriate enrollment period.

If you have further questions or need assistance with the Medicare enrollment process, call us at (844) 254-8998! Golden Years Design Benefits has helped thousands of people with Medicare

Remember, understanding and taking control of your Medicare benefits will empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare options as you enjoy your retirement years.