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I’m 64 — Do I Have To Contact Social Security About Medicare?

What Are People Asking?

● Do I need to call Social Security before I turn 65?
● Will Medicare automatically start when I turn 65?
● What if I am still working and have employer insurance?
● Can I just wait until my birthday month to think about Medicare?

Key Takeaways

● Not everyone is automatically enrolled in Medicare
● Contacting Social Security is often necessary if you are not collecting benefits
● Your work status and current insurance determine your next steps
● Waiting until the last minute can create coverage delays

Do You Get Automatically Enrolled in Medicare at 65?

Automatic enrollment only happens in specific situations. You are typically automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if:
  ● You are already receiving Social Security benefits
  ● You are receiving Railroad Retirement benefits
If you are not collecting Social Security, Medicare does not automatically begin. In most cases, you must actively enroll.

Why Age 64 Is the Ideal Time to Think About Social Security and Medicare

At age 64, you are entering the Medicare preparation window — not the panic window.
This is the time to:
  ● Confirm how enrollment works
  ● Understand your timeline
  ● Review your current insurance coverage
Starting early allows you to make decisions calmly instead of rushing during your enrollment period.

If You Are Still Working at 64 or 65

This is where confusion is highest.
If you have employer coverage, you may not need to enroll in all parts of Medicare immediately. However, this does not mean you should ignore Medicare entirely.
Important considerations include:
  ● Whether your employer coverage is creditable
  ● How your insurance coordinates with Medicare
  ● Whether your employer has 20+ employees
Speaking with your HR department before contacting Social Security is often a smart first step.

When You Should Contact Social Security

You should consider contacting Social Security (or reviewing SSA.gov) about Medicare when:
  ● You are within 3–6 months of turning 65
  ● You are not receiving Social Security benefits
  ● You plan to retire around age 65
  ● You are unsure if you will be automatically enrolled
This ensures your enrollment timeline aligns with your coverage needs.

Why Waiting for a Letter in the Mail Is Risky

Many people expect a formal notification telling them exactly what to do. While some mailings are sent, Medicare enrollment is ultimately your responsibility unless you are automatically enrolled. Relying solely on mail notices can lead to missed deadlines or delayed coverage.

How This Fits Into the 12-Month Medicare Timeline

In the timeline leading up to age 65:
  ● Age 64: Awareness and preparation
  ● 9–6 months before 65: Coverage review and education
  ● 3 months before 65: Initial Enrollment Period begins
Contacting Social Security is not usually urgent at 64, but understanding the process is extremely valuable.

What Happens If I Do Nothing When I Turn 65?

Doing nothing is not a neutral decision. If you are not automatically enrolled and fail to take action,
you may experience:
  ● Delayed Medicare coverage
  ● Late enrollment penalties (Part B and Part D)
  ● Gaps between employer coverage and Medicare
For many individuals, this is the moment confusion turns into costly consequences. This is why understanding your responsibilities at age 64 — before deadlines arrive — leads to a far smoother Medicare experience.

Q & A: Social Security and Medicare at Age 64

Do I have to contact Social Security at 64?

Not necessarily, but it is wise to understand your enrollment process before age 65.

Yes. Many people enroll online through the Social Security website (SSA.gov).

You may be able to delay certain parts of Medicare, depending on your coverage.

In most cases, no. Understanding your timeline is far safer than waiting passively.

A Preparation Takeaway

At age 64, you do not need to rush into Medicare decisions — but you should not ignore them either.
Learning how Social Security and Medicare interact now gives you clarity, confidence, and control as you approach age 65.

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:
  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
    hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
    coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
    potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
    out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
    copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
    three months before your 65th birthday month.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
    each year for those who missed their IEP.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
    allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
    plans.
  • Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
    those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
  • Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
    calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
    new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare?
It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.
No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.
There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.
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