How to Sign Up for Medicare Without Social Security?
In retirement, millions of older adults rely on Medicare for health care and Social Security as a primary source of income. However, while the two programs are linked, participation in one does not necessitate enrollment in the other. People who start collecting Social Security retiree benefits before they become 65 will be automatically enrolled in Medicare after they turn 65. The SSA manages both Medicare and Social Security benefits eligibility. By the end of this blog, we are hoping you will be clear on “how to sign up for Medicare without social security.” So, read more.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a government healthcare program for anyone over the age of 65. At any age, people who are incapacitated or have persistent renal failure can apply for Medicare.
What is Social Security?
For millions of pensioners, disabled people, and families of retired, disabled, or deceased employees in the United States, Social Security is the foundation of their financial security. Approximately 169M people in the U.S. pay Social Security taxes, with 61 million receiving monthly benefits. The majority of Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system.
How to Obtain Medicare without Filing a Social Security Claim
It is not necessary to enroll in both Social Security and Medicare at the same time. You can sign up for Medicare either before or after filing for Social Security. And each program has its own set of qualifying requirements.
The Medicare qualifying age is still 65 years old. Therefore, if you want to collect Social Security when you are 66 or older; you will have to sign up for Medicare separately at 65.
If you do not qualify for Social Security, you are 65. As a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you can enroll in Medicare. All coverage, including Part A, must be paid directly to Medicare. Unless you or your spouse are local government employees who paid for Medicare taxes but not Social Security taxes.
You can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B if you are eligible for Medicare but are not currently receiving Social Security retirement payments or Railroad Retirement benefits during three separate periods.
Period of Initial Enrollment (IEP)
During this seven months period, which includes the three months leading up to your 65th birthday; you can enroll in Medicare at any time. When you sign up for Medicare, your coverage begins by the date you sign up.
Period of Special Enrollment (SEP)
SEPs are periods outside of regular enrollment periods that are caused by extraordinary events.
Period of General Enrollment (GEP)
You could enroll in Medicare during the GEP; if you did not do so when you first became eligible for it (during your IEP or SEP). The GEP runs between January 1 to March 31, with coverage beginning on July 1.
How to Apply for only Medicare (Online)
Suppose you are within three months of turning 65 and are not yet ready to receive monthly Social Security payments. In that case, you can use our online retirement application to enroll in Medicare only. And wait to apply for your retirement or spouse’s benefits later. It takes less than ten minutes, and there are no forms to sign or paperwork to complete.
Essential Things to know before you sign up for Medicare
Here is all you need to know about enrolling in Medicare before filing for Social Security:
- Working beneficiaries are exempt from the Medicare late enrollment penalty.
- If you sign up for Medicare after the Initial Enrollment Period has ended, you may face penalties.
- Do not put off investigating your Medicare options until you are 65 years old.
Bottom Line
Receiving Social Security is not a requirement for receiving Medicare. It is typically better to enroll in Medicare as soon as you are eligible. Rather than waiting for Social Security to avoid a loss in benefits or maximize them. This is all from our side; we hope you no longer have any confusion regarding how to sign up for Medicare without social security.
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