Many people choose to delay Social Security benefits for various reasons. Does this delay mean you can not enroll in Medicare when you turn 65? This is a question we get a lot here at Senior65.com so we figured we need to spend a little time explaining how it works and what you should do.
Can You Enroll in Medicare if You Delayed Social Security?
Absolutely! You can enroll in Medicare if you have delayed Social Security (SS) benefits, but you won’t be automatically signed up like those who are receiving SS benefits. You will have to actively sign up for Social Security at a later date and might not be able to do so online.
If You Delay Social Security, Should You Enroll in Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is broken up into two parts: Part A (hospital benefits) and Part B (Medical Benefits). If you have delayed Social Security benefits because you are still working, you will almost always want to enroll in Medicare Part A. If you have qualifying job-based insurance, however, you will most-likely want to delay Medicare Part B. Since your work insurance almost always will be covering these medical benefits, why pay for them twice? You can sign up for Part B without a penalty when your work coverage ends. Delaying Part B has another benefit:
Delaying Part B will allow you enroll in Medigap later-on without answering medical questions.
You only have 6 months to sign up for for guaranteed-issuance Medigap after you sign up for Part B so delaying this portion of Medicare will give you more options later.
Learn More about Medigap Get a Medigap Quote
Next Steps for Enrolling in Medicare if You have Delayed SS
If you have decided to delay Social Security, just contact Medicare, and they can help you enroll in Part A and/or Part B. Then you once you’re ready to enroll in a Medicare Health Plan, contact us at 800-930-7956, and our licensed independent insurance agents can help you find the right Supplemental plan for you.