You can get Medicare at 65 without claiming Social Security benefits, but you will need to take specific steps to enroll on your own.

Medicare and Social Security are separate programs run by different parts of the federal government. Reaching age 65 does not automatically sign you up for Medicare just because you are receiving Social Security — and the reverse is also true. If you do not claim Social Security retirement benefits, you still have the right to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, and you should, because waiting can cost you money in higher premiums later.

The key difference is that Social Security handles your retirement income, while Medicare handles your health insurance. You can have one without the other, but the enrollment process and timing rules are different for each. Understanding how they work separately will help you avoid penalties and gaps in coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • You must enroll in Medicare yourself during the three-month window around your 65th birthday if you are not claiming Social Security, because automatic enrollment does not happen.
  • Delaying Social Security does not delay Medicare — you can claim Medicare at 65 and wait to claim Social Security at 70 if that fits your plan.
  • If you miss your initial enrollment window, you will pay a permanent penalty on your Part B and Part D premiums for as long as you have Medicare.
  • You can enroll online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at your local Social Security office, even if you are not receiving Social Security checks.
  • Working past 65 and having employer health coverage may let you delay Medicare without penalty, but you must report this to Medicare when you do enroll.

How to Enroll in Medicare at 65 Without Social Security

Start the enrollment process three months before your 65th birthday. You have a seven-month window — three months before, the month you turn 65, and three months after — but enrolling early prevents gaps in coverage. Go to Medicare.gov and click "Sign Up for Medicare" or call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak with someone who can walk you through it.

You will need your Social Security number, birth date, citizenship or immigration status, and information about any current health coverage you have. If you are still working and covered by your employer's plan, tell Medicare that when you enroll — this protects you from penalties later. You do not need to be receiving Social Security checks to complete this process.

If you prefer to enroll in person, you can visit your local Social Security office. Bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your Social Security card. The staff there can help you enroll in Medicare even though you are not claiming Social Security benefits.

What Happens If You Miss the Enrollment Window

If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B (medical insurance) during your initial seven-month window, you will pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare. The penalty is 10 percent of the standard Part B premium for each full 12-month period you were may be able to access but not enrolled. That penalty stays with you permanently — it does not go away after a few years.

The same rule applies to Part D (prescription drug coverage). If you go 63 days or more without drug coverage and then enroll later, you pay a penalty of about 1 percent of the national average Part D premium for each month you were without coverage. Again, this penalty is permanent.

The only way to avoid these penalties is to have had other may have access to coverage — such as employer health insurance or coverage through a spouse's employer — during the time you were not enrolled in Medicare. If you did, you can enroll without penalty later, but you must be able to prove you had that coverage when you explore.

Delaying Social Security While Claiming Medicare

Many people delay Social Security to age 70 to receive a larger monthly benefit, but they still need health insurance at 65. This is where Medicare comes in. You can enroll in Medicare at 65 and not claim Social Security until 70 — the two decisions are completely separate.

Delaying Social Security does not delay Medicare may be able to access or enrollment. At 65, you are may be able to access for Medicare regardless of whether you are working, regardless of your income, and regardless of when you plan to claim Social Security. Enroll in Medicare on your own timeline, and then make your Social Security decision separately based on your health, family history, and financial needs.

This strategy works well if you are still working and earning a good income. You can stay on your employer's health plan until you retire, then switch to Medicare. Meanwhile, your Social Security benefit grows by about 8 percent per year for each year you delay past your full retirement age, up to age 70.

Medicare Parts and What You Pay Without Social Security

Medicare has four parts: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part D (prescription drugs), and Part C (Medicare Advantage, an alternative to A and B). Most people do not pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. You will pay a premium for Part B and Part D, and these premiums are the same whether you are claiming Social Security or not.

Part B premiums are based on your income from two years ago. If you have higher income and are not claiming Social Security, your premiums may be higher than someone with lower income. Part D premiums vary by plan and by insurance company, so you can shop around to find the lowest cost.

You will also pay out-of-pocket costs when you use care — a deductible for Part A and Part B, and copayments or coinsurance when you see a doctor or fill a prescription. These costs are the same for everyone on Medicare, regardless of Social Security status.

Working Past 65 and Delaying Medicare

If you are still working at 65 and covered by your employer's health plan, you may be able to delay Medicare without paying a penalty. This is called creditable coverage. Your employer's plan must be as good as or better than Medicare, which most employer plans are.

When you do enroll in Medicare later — either when you retire or when your employer coverage ends — you must tell Medicare that you had creditable coverage. Bring a letter from your employer or your health plan showing the dates you were covered. This documentation protects you from late enrollment penalties.

Do not assume your employer will tell Medicare about your coverage. You are responsible for reporting it. If you do not, Medicare may charge you penalties even though you had valid coverage. Keep your employer's letter and any plan documents that show your coverage dates.

Paying Medicare Premiums Without Social Security Direct Deposit

If you are not receiving Social Security, your Medicare premiums will not be deducted from a Social Security check. Instead, you will receive a bill from Medicare each month, and you can pay by mail, phone, or online through your Medicare account.

Set up online bill pay through your bank, or use the Medicare.gov portal to pay with a credit card or bank account. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to pay by phone. Some people set up automatic payments so the premium is withdrawn from their bank account each month, which prevents missed payments.

Keep track of your payment important date. Medicare typically bills you on the 1st of the month for coverage the following month. If you miss a payment, your coverage can be delayed or terminated, so treat these bills the same way you would treat any other important bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to claim Social Security to get Medicare?

No. Medicare may be able to access at 65 is based on age, citizenship, and residency — not on claiming Social Security. You can enroll in Medicare and delay Social Security for years if you want. They are separate programs with separate enrollment processes.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen but have a green card?

You can get Medicare if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and have lived in the United States for at least five years. You will need to show your green card and proof of residency when you enroll. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to discuss your specific situation.

Can I enroll in Medicare online if I do not have a Social Security account?

Yes. Go to Medicare.gov and select "Sign Up for Medicare." You will need your Social Security number to create a Medicare account, but you do not need to be receiving Social Security benefits. If you have trouble online, call 1-800-MEDICARE and a representative can help you over the phone.

What if I delayed Social Security and now I am 70 — do I need to re-enroll in Medicare?

No. Once you are enrolled in Medicare, you stay enrolled. When you finally claim Social Security at 70, your Social Security checks will not automatically be linked to Medicare, but your Medicare coverage continues without interruption. You may need to update your payment method if you want your Social Security check to cover your Medicare premium.

Will my Medicare premiums change if I claim Social Security later?

Your Part B and Part D premiums are based on your income from two years ago, not on when you claim Social Security. If you claim Social Security at 70 and your income increases, your premiums may go up in the following year. Medicare will recalculate your premiums based on your new income.