Can you get Medicare if you are not drawing Social Security?

Asked by: Eloy Hickle  |  Last update: May 8, 2026
Score: 5/5 (19 votes)

If you are not receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits at age 65, you can sign up for Part A and Part B. You can do so during the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65.

Can I have Medicare without drawing Social Security?

You can still apply for Medicare online even if you are not ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. NOTE: We automatically enroll people who already get Social Security retirement or disability benefits in Parts A and B.

How do you pay for Medicare if you are not getting Social Security?

premium deducted automatically from their Social Security benefit payment (or Railroad Retirement Board benefit payment). If you don't get benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board), you'll get a premium bill from Medicare. Get a sample of the Medicare bill.

What are the three requirements for Medicare?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
  • Be age 65 or older;
  • Be a U.S. resident; AND.
  • Be either a U.S. citizen, OR.
  • Be an alien who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and has been residing in the United States for 5 continuous years prior to the month of filing an application for Medicare.

Why would someone not qualify for Medicare?

Why might a person not be eligible for Medicare Part A? A person must be age 65 years or older to qualify for Medicare Part A. Unless they meet other requirements, such as a qualifying disability, they cannot get Medicare Part A benefits before this age.

Can You Get Medicare Without Social Security Benefits?

40 related questions found

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

What conditions make you eligible for Medicare?

Generally, Medicare is for people 65 or older. You may be able to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig's disease). Medicare has four parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance)

What qualifies a patient for Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig's disease).

How much is taken out of your Social Security check for Medicare?

If you have Medicare Part B medical insurance, your premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security check and your monthly premiums are based on your income. Most Part B enrollees will have $185 deducted from their Social Security each month in 2025. The amount increases if you have a high income.

Which of the following persons is not eligible for Medicare?

Final answer: The person who is NOT eligible for Medicare is the one who has been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for only 6 months, as they need to have received benefits for at least 24 months to qualify.

Does everyone pay for Medicare out of their Social Security check?

Any individual making $103,000 or less (or couples filing jointly making $203,000 or less) will pay this amount. The premium will typically come out directly from Social Security. However, a person can choose to pay their premium using other methods, such as through a bank account. Read more about Medicare Part B.

How long does it take for a Medicare application to be approved?

The processing time for Medicare Part B applications typically ranges from one to three months, starting from when the Social Security Administration receives your application. It's best to apply as early as possible, especially if you're nearing your 65th birthday or the end of your Initial Enrollment Period.

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

To qualify to get $144 added back to your Social Security check, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a Part B premium reduction or giveback benefit.

How to pay for Medicare if not on Social Security?

If you are NOT receiving Social Security retirement benefits…
  1. By Mail (Via Check, Credit Card, or Debit Card)
  2. online bill pay Through Your Bank.
  3. Medicare Easy Pay.
  4. MyMedicare.gov Account.

How to check Medicare eligibility?

To find out if you qualify for Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?

To apply for Medicare, you'll need:
  1. Your Social Security Card.
  2. Your original birth certificate.
  3. Proof of U.S citizenship or legal citizenship status documentation if you were not born in the U.S.
  4. A copy of your W-2 form.

Is Medicare free at age 65 for seniors?

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)

You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: • You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

Can I refuse to pay for Medicare Part B?

You do not have to pay for Medicare Part B to keep Medi-Cal. Stopping Medicare Part B coverage is generally not recommended. If you want to talk to someone about stopping Medicare Part B, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. NOTE: A few things could happen if you do not pay your Medicare Part B premium.

What is the one time payment for Social Security?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides for a one-time payment of $250 to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income, or (SSI) beneficiaries, as well as those who receive Railroad Retirement and Veterans benefits. You probably have questions about the one-time payment.

Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?

If you are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A.

What 8 things does Medicare not cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

What are the new patient qualifications for Medicare?

A new patient is one who has not received any professional services, [e.g., E/M service or other face-to-face service (e.g., surgical procedure)] from the physician or physician group practice (same physician specialty) within the previous 3 years.

Can you be denied for Medicare?

Medicare can deny coverage if a person has exhausted their benefits or if Medicare does not cover the item or service. When Medicare denies coverage, it will send a denial letter. A person can appeal the decision, and the denial letter usually includes details on how to file an appeal.

What are the three types of patients eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older, certain people under age 65 with disabilities and entitled to Social Security disability or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits for 24 months (CMS waives the 24-month waiting period for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou ...

How much do I have to pay for Medicare when I turn 65?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $518 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($185 in 2025).