Is Medicare automatic if I am already receiving Social Security?
The short answer
Yes, in most cases. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you will generally be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. Your card will arrive in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday.
The full explanation
If Social Security checks are already coming in, Medicare usually comes along with them without you having to do anything. The Social Security Administration and Medicare share information, so when you get close to 65 they enroll you in Parts A and B and mail your Medicare card about three months before your birthday month.That said, automatic enrollment covers Parts A and B only. It does not choose a drug plan, an Advantage plan, or any supplemental coverage for you. You still have to make those decisions yourself, and the window to do so runs during your Initial Enrollment Period, which spans the three months before your birthday, your birthday month, and three months after.A few situations can change this. If you are under 65 and receiving Social Security due to a disability, you will typically get Medicare after 24 months of receiving disability benefits, also automatically. And if you are receiving Railroad Retirement benefits instead of Social Security, the process is similar but handled through the Railroad Retirement Board.If your birthday is approaching and no card has arrived, contact Social Security directly. Do not assume the process took care of itself without checking.
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