What Age Can You Collect Medicare Benefits

Beware The Blackout Period

Why retire and collect social security at 62?

As noted earlier, a widow or widower generally doesnt qualify for their benefits until age 60. However, that person can collect payouts as the caregiver for the deceaseds children until they turn 16.

Children qualify for benefits until they turn 18 . But between the childs 18th birthday and the spouses 60th birthday , no one in the family is eligible to collect. Thats whats known as a blackout period.

For example, a woman is left widowed at the age of 30 with a two-year-old son. As her sons caregiver, she is entitled to collect Social Security benefits for 14 years, until his 16thbirthday. After that, her son continues to receive his survivor benefits for two more years, until hes 18. His mom will be 48 at that point, leaving the family ineligible for any payments until her widows benefits become available when shes 60. In this case, the Social Security blackout period lasts 12 years.

One possible solution is for families to make sure they have adequate life insurance to support a surviving spouse during any blackout period. Take, for instance, a couple, both 31 years old, who recently had a child. If either parent dies, the surviving spouse is eligible to collect benefits until they are 47 years old . If they both buy 30-year term life insurance policies and keep up with the premiums, theyll be assured of coverage until age 61one year after Social Security eligibility is reinstatedin case one of them dies.

Medicare Eligibility Requirements For 2020

Not sure if youre eligible for Medicare health insurance? The Social Security Administration enrolls some people automatically. But dont expect that or wait for your Medicare card to show up. Find out if youre eligible now so you can enroll at the right time and avoid any Late Enrollment Penalties .

Theres more than one way to qualify for Medicare, and enrolling in the different parts of Medicare differ as well. Plus, how you qualify may determine how you can receive coverage and what your premiums might be.

If youre looking for more of a crash course in the different parts of Medicare and how the program works as a whole, check out our Ultimate Medicare Guide. Otherwise, read on.

Also Check: What Is Medicare Vs Medicare Advantage

How Are Disabled Widows Benefits Calculated

Your survivors benefit amount is based on the earnings of the person who died. The more they paid into Social Security, the higher your benefits would be. The monthly amount you would get is a percentage of the deceaseds basic Social Security benefit . Two surviving parents 75 percent to each parent.

Recommended Reading: When Can You Collect Medicare Benefits

When Will The Medicare Eligibility Age Lower

Now, with Democratic control of the Senate, its more likely that Medicare at 60 will go into effect in the coming years. Additionally, a majority of individuals on both sides of the political aisle support a Medicare buy-in plan for adults over 50.

Yet, there is opposition particularly from hospitals because of lower reimbursement rates. Thus, there could be pushback in the process.

Regardless of the outcome, the eligibility age for Medicare wont change overnight. Lowering the eligibility age is no longer part of the U.S. Governments budget for Fiscal Year 2022. So, the Medicare eligibility age will not see a reduction anytime in the next year.

In the meantime, its crucial for beneficiaries to stay up-to-date with the latest information about potential changes to Medicare, including a reduced eligibility age. We will be updating this content as more information is available.

Was this article helpful ?

Can A 62 Year Old Widow Get Medicare

When can I receive Medicare benefits? Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older. Generally, individuals are automatically eligible for Medicare if they are 65 years old and have 40 quarters of work credit in Social Security covered employment, or their spouse is eligible for Medicare.

Recommended Reading: Can Medicare Take Your House

Review Your Medicare Choices Each Year

Whether you enroll in original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you generally do not need to renew coverage every year. That being said, plans are sometimes discontinued or their benefits and costs may change to the point that the plan no longer meets your needs. Its not unusual for pharmacy and provider networks to change, for costs to increase, or the list of covered prescription drugs to vary. Thats why its a good idea to review your plan each year and compare it against your current health care needs.

Your health insurer is required to send you an Annual Notice of Change by September 30 each year. The notice outlines any changes in coverage and costs expected to begin the following January. If you decide to change your health care plan after reviewing those updates, you can do so during Medicares open enrollment period. The period runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or vice versa. You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or from one Medicare Part D plan to another. You can also enroll in Medicare Part D if you have not done so already, although late enrollment penalties may apply.

If you find that the new health care plan is not meeting your needs, you can reverse some plan decisions January 1 to March 31 of the following year. Guidance for the renewal process is offered through the U.S. governments phone line at 1-800-MEDICARE or through your local SHIP.

Taking Medicare But Not Social Security

It is possible to enroll in Medicare coverage but delay taking your Social Security retirement benefits. For many workers, this strategy might be financially advantageous.

For most older people, it is a good idea to enroll in all parts of Medicare coverage they plan to use as soon as they are eligible at age 65. If you delay enrolling, Medicare Part D may become more expensive. If you delay signing up for Part B, you may also experience a gap in your coverage or have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

However, if you can afford to, it is often a smart financial decision to delay receiving Social Security benefits until at least your full retirement age in order to increase the benefit you receive. This may mean that there are several years during which you are enrolled and covered by Medicare but not yet receiving your monthly Social Security benefit.

Don’t Miss: Go Medicare Benefits Help Center Reviews

Who Qualifies For Social Security Survivor Benefits

Monthly survivor benefits are available to certain family members, including:

A widow age 60 or older who has not remarried
A widow of any age who is caring for the deceaseds child under age 16 or disabled
An unmarried child of the deceased who is younger than age 18 , or 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22
A stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or adopted child, under certain circumstances
Parents, age 62 or older, who were dependent on the deceased for at least half of their income and whose own Social Security benefit would not be larger than that of the deceased offspring
A surviving divorced spouse, if they meet other eligibility requirements

First of all, you have to work a certain number of years and amass the requisite number of credits each year for your loved ones to be eligible for benefitswhich you have to do to be eligible yourself. For 2021, you receive one credit for every $1,470 you earn, up to $5,880, for a total of four credits a year. In 2022, it rises to every $1,510 you earn, up to $6,040.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Apply For Extra Help With Medicare

Related Faq For What Age Can A Widow Draw Social Security

Working Past Age 65, How (And When) to Enroll in Medicare When You Retire

Can a widow get Medicare at age 60?

If you are divorced, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years and currently be unmarried. As a widow: You must be at least 60 years old .

Can I retire at 57 and collect Social Security?

You can start your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but the benefit amount you receive will be less than your full retirement benefit amount.

Can I retire at 58 years old?

A worker can choose to retire as early as age 62, but doing so may result in a reduction of as much as 30 percent. Starting to receive benefits after normal retirement age may result in larger benefits. With delayed retirement credits, a person can receive his or her largest benefit by retiring at age 70.

Is Social Security based on the last 5 years of work?

Social Security benefits are based on your lifetime earnings. Your actual earnings are adjusted or indexed to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. Then Social Security calculates your average indexed monthly earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most.

When can a spouse claim spousal benefits?

You can claim spousal benefits as early as age 62, but you wont receive as much as if you wait until your own full retirement age. For example, if your full retirement age is 67 and you choose to claim spousal benefits at 62, youd receive a benefit thats equal to 32.5% of your spouses full benefit amount.

Find A $0 Premium Medicare Advantage Plan Today

For California residents, CA-Do Not Sell My Personal Info, .

MedicareAdvantage.com is a website owned and operated by TZ Insurance Solutions LLC. TZ Insurance Solutions LLC and TruBridge, Inc. represent Medicare Advantage Organizations and Prescription Drug Plans having Medicare contracts enrollment in any plan depends upon contract renewal.

The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Callers will be directed to a licensed insurance agent with TZ Insurance Solutions LLC, TruBridge, Inc. and/or a third-party partner who can provide more information about Medicare Advantage Plans offered by one or several Medicare-contracted carrier. TZ Insurance Solutions LLC, TruBridge, Inc., and the licensed sales agents that may call you are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans, please contact 1-800-MEDICARE , 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.

Medicare Eligibility At 65 And Older

You can apply for Medicare the year you turn 65, but you generally must meet three eligibility requirements to qualify for full Medicare benefits at this age.

The chief requirement is that you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five years.

In addition, you must meet one of the following other requirements:

You or your spouse must have worked long enough to also be eligible for Social Security benefits or for railroad retirement benefits. This usually means you have worked for at least 10 years. You must be eligible for these Social Security benefits even if you are not yet receiving them.
You or your spouse is either a government employee or retiree who did not pay into Social Security but did pay Medicare payroll taxes while working.

If you pay Medicare payroll taxes for 10 full years, you wont have to pay premiums for Medicare Part A, which covers hospital care.

You dont need the work credits to qualify for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits or outpatient services, and Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs. Everyone pays premiums for both regardless of work history.

If you are still working at 65, you dont have to sign up for Medicare but there are benefits to signing up while still employed. Similarly, if you have never worked, you can still get Medicare. It may be more expensive depending on your spouses work history.

Are You Automatically Enrolled In Medicare Part B

Medicare will enroll you in Part B automatically. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If youre not getting disability benefits and Medicare when you turn 65, youll need to call or visit your local Social Security office, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Does The Eligibility Age Change For Types Of Medicare Coverage

No. You need to have Medicare Part A and Part B if you want to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement insurance plan. If you sign up for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan, you need Part A and/or Part B.

So, itâs not like you can get a Medicare Advantage plan, for example, when youâre younger than 65 unless you qualify by disability.

Also Check: Employee Benefits Services Provider Portal

How Do I Get Full Medicare Benefits

Youâre entitled to full Medicare Part A and Part B benefits as soon as youâre eligible for Medicare. Part A and Part B make up Original Medicare.

So how do you sign up for Medicare? In many cases, youâre automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, as described above.

What happens when youâre eligible for Medicare and youâre not yet receiving Social Security benefits? In that case, youâll need to sign up for Medicare yourself â it generally wonât happen automatically. You can typically apply for Medicare through the Social Security Administration . If you worked for a railroad, you can sign up through the Railroad Retirement Board .

If youâre interested in benefits beyond Original Medicare coverage, you might want to check out:

Medicare Advantage . Medicare Advantage gives you another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, but plans often include extra benefits, like prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Supplement insurance. This is available from private insurance companies. It works alongside your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.
Stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. These plans may help cover your prescription drugs.

You can learn more about your Medicare coverage choices by entering your zip code on this page, or by calling eHealth to speak to a licensed insurance agent.

Medicare Eligibility By Disability

Most Medicare recipients under the age of 65 reach eligibility during their 25th month receiving Social Security disability benefits. If you qualify for Medicare because of a disability, your Initial Enrollment Period will begin during the 22nd month you receive these benefitsthree months before youre eligible for coverage.

Don’t Miss: Bill To Increase Social Security Benefits

Medicare Eligibility Due To Specific Illnesses

In addition to the above ways to qualify for Medicare health insurance, you may also be eligible if you have one of the following diseases:

End-stage renal disease. To qualify, you must need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant, and your coverage can begin shortly after your first dialysis treatment. If you receive a transplant and no longer require dialysis, youll lose Medicare eligibility.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Also known as Lou Gehrigs Disease, patients diagnosed with this terminal disease gain immediate Medicare eligibility.

Compare Medicare Advantage Plans Today

Medicare and your CalPERS Health Benefits

For California residents, CA-Do Not Sell My Personal Info, .

Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans, please contact 1-800-MEDICARE , 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.

Are There Plans To Reduce The Medicare Enrollment Age

Some legislators have proposed measures to lower the Medicare eligibility age. Senator Bernie Sanders wrote a bill that would make all Americans eligible for Medicare in 2019. Representative Pramila Jayapal wrote a similar bill in 2021. Neither bill passed.

When this article was published, no changes had been made to the Medicare eligibility age.

What If You Still Work

You can work and receive Medicare disability benefits for a transition period under Social Security’s work incentives and Ticket to Work programs.

There are three timeframes to understand. The first, the trial work period, is a nine-month period during which you can test your ability to work and still receive full benefits. The nine months don’t have to be consecutive. The trial period continues until you have worked for nine months within a 60-month period.

Once those nine months are used up, you move into the next time framethe extended period of eligibility. For the next 36 months, you can still receive benefits in any month you aren’t earning “substantial gainful activity.”

Finally, you can still receive free Medicare Part A benefits and pay the premium for Part B for at least 93 months after the nine-month trial periodif you still qualify as disabled. If you want to continue receiving Part B benefits, you have to request them in writing.

If you’re disabled, you may incur extra expenses that those without disabilities do not. Expenses such as paid transportation to work, mental health counseling, prescription drugs, and other qualified expenses might be deducted from your monthly income before the determination of benefits, which mayallow you to earn more and still qualify for benefits.

Recommended Reading: My Social Security Benefits Calculator