When does Social Security start deducting Medicare Part B premiums from SS benefits?

Thank you! I'll check my online account. I was worried they might take it out without telling me first. I appreciate the clear explanation.

@Jessica Nguyen I just received a letter from SSA stating that my November check will show a deduction for Medicare Part B premium. And it also explained that October benefits are paid in November. I turn 65 on Nov. 20th. I m'confused. Why is the premium being deducted already from the October benefits? Is this an error on the SSA side? Thank you.

Same. I got my letter AFTER the deduction happened. Classic SSA!

Medicare always starts on the 1st day of the month (except in rare cases where your birthday is on the 1st, then it starts the previous month). So there's no prorating - you always pay for full months.

Thank you for this detailed explanation! I've been struggling to get through on the 800 number too - I'll definitely check out that service. I just want to make sure there aren't any surprises with my payment.

No, the standard Part B premium for 2025 is $174.70. The person who posted is paying more because of IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). If your income is above certain thresholds (based on your tax return from 2 years ago), you pay extra. Sounds like the original poster has higher income.

Oh no, that would be a disaster for my budget. Did they eventually refund the extra amount they took?

yes but it was a PAIN to fix took multiple calls and they kept saying it would be fixed next month but wasnt

That's really helpful to know! My income actually did drop this year after I fully retired. I'll look into that form. Do you know if I can submit it online or do I need to mail it?

Unfortunately, Form SSA-44 can't be submitted online. You'll need to either mail it with supporting documentation or take it to your local Social Security office. Calling ahead to make an appointment is recommended if you go in person.

Thanks, I just checked and it doesn't show the deduction yet. Maybe it's too early since my Medicare doesn't start until April.

This is such valuable information! I'm 62 and planning ahead for when I turn 65 in a few years. The coordination between Social Security and Medicare does seem really complicated. I'm still working full-time with good employer insurance, so it's helpful to know about the option to delay Part B. Do you know if there are any other gotchas I should be aware of when planning for this transition? I want to make sure I don't miss any deadlines or end up with penalties.

Great question! A few key things to watch out for: 1) You'll get automatically enrolled in Part A when you turn 65 if you're receiving Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2) Make sure your employer coverage is considered "creditable" - HR should be able to confirm this. 3) You have 8 months after your employment ends or your group coverage ends (whichever comes first) to enroll in Part B without penalty. 4) Don't forget about Part D (prescription drug coverage) - if you don't have creditable drug coverage through work, you might want to enroll in Part D right at 65 to avoid penalties later. The key is keeping good documentation of your employer coverage dates in case Medicare ever questions the timing of your enrollment!

Great question! Since you're planning ahead, here are some key things to watch for: 1) You'll get automatically enrolled in Part A when you turn 65 if you're receiving Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2) Make sure your employer insurance is considered "creditable coverage" - HR should be able to confirm this. 3) When you do eventually enroll in Part B (when you retire or lose employer coverage), you'll need to do it within 8 months to avoid penalties. 4) Keep documentation of your employer coverage dates - you'll need this when you enroll. 5) Consider whether you want a Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Advantage when the time comes. The enrollment periods can be tricky, so definitely start researching about 6 months before you plan to retire or lose your employer coverage!

Great question! A few key things to watch out for: First, you'll get automatic enrollment in Part A (hospital insurance) at 65 since you're already getting Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. Just make sure your employer plan is considered "creditable coverage" - HR should be able to confirm this. Second, when you do eventually retire and need to enroll in Part B, you'll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period that starts the month after your employment ends OR your group coverage ends, whichever comes first. Don't wait until the end of that 8-month window! Also, keep detailed records of your employment and insurance coverage dates - you'll need them when you enroll. The penalties for late enrollment can be really expensive and permanent, so it's worth being extra careful about timing everything correctly.

Great question! Since you're planning ahead, here are a few key things to watch for: 1) You'll get automatic enrollment in Part A when you turn 65 if you're receiving Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2) Make sure your employer insurance is considered "creditable coverage" - HR should be able to confirm this. 3) When you do retire and need to enroll in Part B, you'll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period that starts the month after your employment or coverage ends (whichever comes first). 4) Keep documentation of your employer coverage dates - you'll need this when you enroll to avoid penalties. The biggest gotcha is people thinking they can just enroll in Part B anytime after they retire, but you only get that 8-month window. Miss it, and you're stuck waiting for General Enrollment (January-March) with late penalties!

Great question! Since you're planning ahead, here are a few key things to watch out for: 1) You'll need to enroll in Part A and Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period (7 months around your 65th birthday) unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to employer coverage. 2) If you delay Part B while working, make sure your employer has 20+ employees - otherwise Medicare becomes primary and you could face penalties. 3) Don't forget about Part D (prescription drug coverage) - even if you delay Part B, you might still need Part D if your employer plan doesn't have creditable drug coverage. 4) Keep documentation of your employer coverage dates - you'll need this when you do enroll later. The key is understanding the difference between "can delay" and "should delay" based on your specific situation!

Great question! Since you're planning ahead, here are some key things to watch for: First, make sure you understand the difference between automatic enrollment (if you're already getting Social Security) versus having to actively enroll. Second, even if you delay Part B due to employer coverage, you'll still want to enroll in Part A (hospital insurance) at 65 since it's usually free. Third, keep detailed records of your employer coverage - you'll need a letter from your employer or insurance company showing you had "creditable coverage" when you do eventually enroll in Part B. And finally, be aware of the "Special Enrollment Period" rules - you typically have 8 months after your employer coverage ends to sign up for Part B without penalty. The Medicare.gov website has a really helpful timeline tool that walks you through all the key dates based on your specific situation.

Great question! Since you have a few years to plan, here are some key things to watch out for: 1) If you're still working at 65 with creditable employer coverage, you can delay Part B, but make sure to get a letter from your employer confirming your coverage is creditable - you'll need this to avoid penalties later. 2) You still need to enroll in Part A (hospital insurance) at 65 even if you delay Part B. 3) If you have an HSA, you'll need to stop contributing to it once you enroll in any part of Medicare. 4) Keep track of when your employer coverage ends because you only have 8 months after that to enroll in Part B without penalty. The Medicare.gov website has a good timeline tool that can help you plan based on your specific situation!

Great question! Since you're planning ahead, here are some key things to watch out for: 1) You'll get automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A when you turn 65 if you're already receiving Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2) Make sure your employer coverage is considered "creditable" - HR should be able to tell you this. 3) You have 8 months after your employment ends or group coverage ends (whichever comes first) to enroll in Part B without penalty. 4) Part D (prescription drug coverage) also has late enrollment penalties if you don't have creditable coverage. 5) Keep documentation of your employer coverage dates - you'll need this when you do enroll. The biggest mistake people make is assuming they can just figure it out later, but the penalty structure makes timing really important!

Great question! Since you have a few years to plan, here are some key things to watch out for: 1) If you delay Part B while working, make sure your employer insurance is "creditable coverage" - most employer plans are, but you'll want documentation. 2) You have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period after your employment ends or group coverage stops to enroll in Part B without penalty. 3) Don't forget about Part D (prescription drug coverage) - if you don't have creditable drug coverage through your employer, you might face late enrollment penalties there too. 4) Consider whether you want to enroll in Medicare Part A at 65 even if you delay Part B - Part A is usually free and won't interfere with HSA contributions if you stop contributing before enrollment. The key is keeping good records of your coverage dates!

Great question! Since you're planning ahead, here are a few key things to watch for: 1) You'll get automatic enrollment in Part A when you turn 65 if you're already getting Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2) Make sure your employer plan is actually "creditable coverage" - HR should be able to confirm this. 3) When you do eventually enroll in Part B (when you retire), you'll have 8 months from when your employer coverage ends to sign up without penalty. 4) Keep detailed records of your employer coverage dates - you'll need this info when you finally enroll. The biggest gotcha is people thinking they can delay indefinitely, but you really need that 8-month window after employer coverage ends. Start researching about 6 months before you plan to retire so you're not scrambling!

Great question! Since you're planning ahead, here are some key things to watch for: 1) You'll get automatically enrolled in Part A at 65 since you're already getting Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2) Make sure your employer plan is actually "creditable coverage" - HR should be able to confirm this. 3) When you do eventually enroll in Part B (when you retire or lose employer coverage), you'll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period. 4) Keep documentation of your employer coverage dates - you'll need this to avoid penalties later. 5) Don't forget about Part D (prescription drug coverage) - different rules apply there. The key is staying on top of the deadlines and keeping good records!

Great question! A few key things to watch out for: First, you'll automatically get Part A when you turn 65 if you're receiving Social Security, but you need to actively decide about Part B. If you have creditable employer coverage, you can delay Part B, but make sure your HR department gives you a letter proving your coverage was creditable - you'll need this when you do enroll to avoid penalties. Second, don't forget about Part D (prescription drug coverage) - even if you delay Part B, you might still need Part D unless your employer plan covers prescriptions. Third, there's a special enrollment period when your employer coverage ends, but it's only 8 months, so don't wait too long. Finally, if you're planning to use an HSA, remember that once you enroll in any part of Medicare, you can't contribute to an HSA anymore (though you can still use existing funds). The Medicare.gov website has a great tool to help you figure out when to enroll based on your specific situation!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! A few key things to watch out for: 1 You) get a Special Enrollment Period when you lose employer coverage, but you only have 8 months to enroll in Part B without penalty, so don t'wait too long. 2 Make) sure your employer plan is creditable "coverage -" HR should be able to confirm this. 3 Even) if you delay Part B, you should still enroll in Part A at 65 since it s'usually free. 4 Keep) documentation from your employer about your coverage dates - you ll'need it when you do enroll. The Medicare website has a great timeline tool that can help you plan! Also consider talking to a Medicare counselor through your state s'SHIP program when you get closer to 65.

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are a few key things to watch for: 1 You) ll'automatically get Part A when you turn 65 if you re'receiving Social Security, but you need to actively decide about Part B. 2 If) you keep working past 65 with creditable employer coverage, make sure to get a letter from your employer stating your coverage is creditable - you ll'need this when you do enroll in Part B later to avoid penalties. 3 You) have an 8-month window to enroll in Part B after your employer coverage ends without penalty. 4 Don) t'forget about Part D prescription (drug coverage -) if you don t'have creditable prescription coverage through your employer, you might face late enrollment penalties there too. The key is documenting everything and not letting any gaps in coverage occur. It s'worth scheduling a consultation with Medicare closer to your 65th birthday to review your specific situation!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are a few key things to watch for: 1 You) ll'get automatically enrolled in Part A when you turn 65 if you re'receiving Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2 Make) sure your employer plan is considered creditable "coverage -" HR should be able to confirm this. 3 When) you do retire and lose employer coverage, you have 8 months to sign up for Part B without penalty. 4 Don) t'forget about Part D prescription (coverage -) you might need that too depending on your employer plan. The key is keeping good records of your coverage dates so you can prove continuous coverage to Medicare later. Start a file now with all your insurance documents!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are some key things to watch for: 1 You) can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage, but you MUST enroll within 8 months of losing that coverage or retiring whichever (comes first to) avoid penalties. 2 Part) A is usually automatic and free if you re'getting Social Security, but Part B requires active enrollment. 3 If) your employer has less than 20 employees, Medicare becomes primary even while you re'working, so you d'want Part B right at 65. 4 Keep) documentation of your employer coverage - you ll'need it when you do enroll to prove you had creditable coverage. The biggest mistake people make is thinking they can just enroll anytime without penalty. The enrollment windows are strict!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question about planning ahead! A few key things to watch out for: 1 You) ll'get automatically enrolled in Part A when you turn 65 if you re'already getting Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2 Make) sure your employer plan is considered creditable "coverage -" HR should be able to confirm this. 3 When) you do eventually enroll in Part B when (you retire or lose employer coverage ,)you ll'need to do it within 8 months of losing that coverage to avoid penalties. 4 Keep) documentation of your employer coverage dates - you ll'need this when you enroll. 5 Part) D prescription (drug coverage has) different rules, so research that separately. The Medicare.gov website has a great checklist for people still working past 65. Starting to research now puts you way ahead of most people!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are a few key things to watch out for: 1 You) ll'get automatically enrolled in Part A when you turn 65 if you re'receiving Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2 Make) sure your employer plan is considered creditable "coverage -" HR should be able to confirm this. 3 When) you do eventually enroll in Part B when (you lose employer coverage ,)you ll'need to do it within 8 months to avoid penalties. 4 Keep) documentation of your employer coverage dates - you ll'need this when you enroll later. 5 Part) D prescription (drug coverage has) its own rules and penalties if you delay without creditable coverage. The key is staying informed about your specific situation and not assuming everything will happen automatically!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are a few key things to watch out for: 1 You) ll'automatically be enrolled in Part A when you turn 65 if you re'receiving Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2 Make) sure your employer plan is considered creditable "coverage -" HR should be able to confirm this. 3 When) you do eventually enroll in Part B within (8 months of losing employer coverage ,)you ll'need to complete Form CMS-L564 to avoid penalties. 4 Don) t'forget about Part D prescription coverage - similar rules apply. The key is keeping good documentation of your continuous coverage dates. Start a file now with your insurance cards and employment records - future you will thank you!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are a few key things to watch for: 1 You) ll'get automatically enrolled in Part A when you turn 65 if you re'receiving Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2 Make) sure your employer plan is considered creditable "coverage -" HR should be able to confirm this. 3 You) ll'have 8 months after your employment ends or (your group coverage ends, whichever comes first to) enroll in Part B without penalty. 4 Don) t'forget about Part D prescription (drug coverage -) you might need that too depending on your employer plan. The key is keeping good documentation of your employer coverage dates. I d'also recommend attending a Medicare seminar through SHIP State (Health Insurance Assistance Program when) you get closer to 65 - they re'free and really helpful!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are some key things to watch for: 1 You) ll'get automatic enrollment in Part A when you turn 65 if you re'already getting Social Security, but you can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. 2 Make) sure your employer plan is considered creditable "coverage -" HR should be able to confirm this. 3 You) ll'have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B after your employer coverage ends. 4 Keep) documentation of your employer coverage dates - you ll'need this when you do enroll to avoid penalties. 5 Don) t'forget about Part D prescription (drug coverage -) similar rules apply there. The key is maintaining continuous creditable coverage without gaps. Start researching about a year before you turn 65 so you have time to understand all your options!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are some key things to watch for: 1 You) ll'automatically get Part A when you turn 65 if you re'receiving Social Security, but you need to actively enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period 3 (months before your 65th birthday through 3 months after .)2 If) you keep working past 65 with creditable employer coverage, make sure your HR confirms it s'creditable "-" not all employer plans qualify. 3 When) you do eventually retire and need to enroll in Part B, you ll'have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period after your employment/coverage ends. 4 Don) t'forget about Part D prescription (drug coverage -) even if you delay Part B, you might still need Part D to avoid late penalties unless your employer plan includes creditable prescription coverage. The key is keeping good documentation of your employer coverage dates!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are some key things to watch out for: 1 You) can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage, but you MUST enroll within 8 months of losing that coverage to avoid penalties. 2 Part) A is automatic if you re'getting Social Security, but Part B requires active enrollment. 3 If) you plan to retire before 65, make sure you understand how COBRA works with Medicare - COBRA is NOT considered creditable coverage for delaying Part B. 4 Start) researching Medigap policies early since some have medical underwriting. The Medicare.gov website has great planning tools, and I d'recommend attending a local SHIP State (Health Insurance Assistance Program seminar) when you get closer to 65. They re'free and incredibly helpful!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! A few key things to watch for: 1 The) General "Enrollment Period runs" Jan-Mar each year if you miss your initial enrollment, but coverage doesn t'start until July and you ll'pay penalties. 2 If) you have an HSA, you can t'contribute once ANY part of Medicare starts even (just Part A .)3 Make) sure your employer plan is creditable "coverage -" HR should be able to confirm this. 4 You) ll'need to enroll in Part B within 8 months of losing employer coverage to avoid penalties. 5 Consider) Medigap insurance - you have guaranteed issue rights for 6 months after Part B starts, regardless of health conditions. Start researching plans about 6 months before you turn 65 so you re'not scrambling at the last minute!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question about planning ahead! A few key things to watch out for: First, make sure you understand the difference between automatic enrollment if (you re'already getting Social Security vs.) having to actively enroll if you re'delaying. Second, if you do delay Part B due to employer coverage, you ll'need to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period within 8 months of losing that coverage - missing this window means waiting until General Enrollment Jan-Mar (and) paying late penalties. Third, even if you delay Part B, you should still enroll in Part A at 65 since it s'premium-free for most people. And finally, keep detailed records of your employer coverage dates - you ll'need proof of creditable "coverage to" avoid penalties when you do enroll. The rules can be tricky, so definitely consider talking to a Medicare counselor through your state s'SHIP program when you get closer to 65!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are some key things to watch for: 1 You) can delay Part B without penalty as long as you have creditable employer coverage, but you MUST enroll within 8 months of when your job/coverage ends or you ll'face lifetime penalties. 2 Part) A hospital (is) usually automatic and free when you turn 65 if you re'getting Social Security. 3 Even) if you delay Part B, you should still sign up for Part A unless you have an HSA Health (Savings Account -) contributing to an HSA becomes illegal once you have any Medicare coverage. 4 Keep) detailed records of your employer coverage dates - you ll'need proof it was creditable when you do enroll in Part B later. The 8-month window is strict, so don t'miss it! Also consider that employer plans sometimes have different formularies than Medicare, so if you take expensive medications, you might want to compare costs before deciding to delay.

Great question @Sofia Hernandez! Since you're planning ahead, here are a few key things to watch out for: 1) Make sure you understand the "8-month rule" - you have 8 months after your employer coverage ends to enroll in Part B without penalty, 2) Don't confuse COBRA with "creditable coverage" - COBRA doesn't count as employer coverage for Medicare purposes, 3) Even if you delay Part B, you should still enroll in Part A (hospital coverage) at 65 since it's premium-free for most people, and 4) Keep detailed records of your employer coverage dates - you'll need to prove continuous coverage when you do enroll. The Medicare.gov website has a great tool called "When can I sign up?" that walks you through different scenarios. Also consider attending a Medicare 101 seminar in your area when you get closer to 65 - many are offered free through local senior centers or SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselors.

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are some key things to watch for: 1 You) get a 7-month window around your 65th birthday for Medicare enrollment 3 (months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after .)2 If) you delay Part B due to employer coverage, make sure you get a creditable "coverage letter" from your employer when you eventually leave - you ll'need this to avoid penalties. 3 Part) D prescription (drug also) has late enrollment penalties if you don t'have creditable coverage. 4 Even) if you delay Part B, you should still sign up for Part A hospital (at) 65 since it s'usually free and there s'no penalty for delaying it. The key is keeping good documentation and not letting any gaps in coverage happen. Start researching about 6 months before you turn 65!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are a few key things to watch for: 1 You) ll'need to enroll in Part A and Part B within 8 months of leaving your job or losing employer coverage whichever (comes first to) avoid penalties, 2 Make) sure your employer insurance is creditable "coverage -" HR should be able to confirm this, 3 If) you re'planning to take Social Security before 65, remember that you ll'be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A when you turn 65, but you can delay Part B if you have qualifying employer coverage, and 4 Keep) documentation from your employer about your insurance coverage dates - you ll'need this when you do enroll in Medicare. The 8-month window is crucial - missing it can result in permanent premium increases!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are some key things to watch for: 1 Part) A is automatic when you turn 65 if you re'getting Social Security, but Part B requires action on your part. 2 You) have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period after your employer coverage ends to sign up for Part B without penalty. 3 Make) sure your employer plan is creditable "coverage -" most are, but it s'worth confirming. 4 Don) t'confuse Medicare eligibility age (65 with) full retirement age for Social Security varies (by birth year .)5 Consider) Medigap insurance - you have a guaranteed issue period when you first get Medicare. The biggest gotcha is that Medicare has different enrollment periods with different rules, so start researching about 6 months before you turn 65!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are some key things to watch for: 1 You) can delay Part B if you have creditable "coverage through" your employer, but you MUST enroll within 8 months of when that coverage ends to avoid penalties. 2 Part) A hospital (coverage is) automatic and free if you re'getting Social Security, but Part B has the premium. 3 If) you re'planning to retire before 65, make sure you understand how COBRA or other coverage works with Medicare timing. 4 The) Special "Enrollment Period for" people with employer coverage is different from the general enrollment periods. I d'recommend creating a MySocialSecurity account now if you don t'have one - it helps you track everything in one place. Also, about 3 months before you turn 65, you ll'want to contact both your HR department and Social Security to confirm your specific situation since everyone s'circumstances are different.

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! A few key things to watch for: 1 You) have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period for Part B after your employer coverage ends, but don t'wait until the last minute. 2 Make) sure your employer plan is considered creditable "coverage -" most are, but it s'worth confirming with HR. 3 If) you delay Social Security until full retirement age or later, you won t'have the automatic Medicare enrollment, so you ll'need to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period 3 (months before your 65th birthday month through 3 months after .)4 Don) t'forget about Part D prescription (coverage -) you can delay this if your employer plan includes creditable drug coverage, but you ll'want to enroll when your employer coverage ends to avoid penalties. The key is keeping good documentation of your coverage dates!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question about planning ahead! A few key things to watch out for: First, you ll'get automatically enrolled in Part A hospital (insurance when) you turn 65 if you re'already receiving Social Security, but you can decline Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. Second, make sure your employer insurance is actually creditable "coverage -" HR should be able to confirm this. Third, when you do eventually leave your job, you ll'have 8 months from when your employer coverage ends to enroll in Part B without penalty. The tricky part is that this 8-month window starts when your coverage ends, not when you retire, so if you have COBRA that could affect the timeline. Also, don t'forget about Part D prescription (drug coverage -) even if you delay Part B, you might still need Part D depending on your employer plan. I d'recommend calling Medicare directly about 6 months before you plan to retire to go over your specific situation!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! Since you re'planning ahead, here are some key things to watch for: 1 You) get a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period IEP (for) Medicare - 3 months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and 3 months after. 2 If) you have creditable employer coverage, you can delay Part B, but you MUST enroll within 8 months of when your employer coverage ends to avoid penalties. 3 Part) A is usually automatic and free if you re'getting Social Security, but Part B has the monthly premium. 4 Don) t'forget about Part D prescription (drug coverage -) there are penalties for late enrollment there too. 5 Keep) documentation of your employer coverage being creditable "-" you ll'need this when you do enroll. The biggest gotcha is people thinking they can just enroll anytime without penalties. Start researching about 6 months before you turn 65 so you have time to understand all your options!

@Sofia Hernandez Great question! A few key things to watch out for: 1 You) have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period SEP (after) your employer coverage ends to sign up for Part B without penalty, but don t'wait until the last minute. 2 Make) sure your employer plan is creditable "coverage -" HR should be able to confirm this. 3 Part) A hospital (insurance is) automatic and free when you turn 65 if you re'getting Social Security, but Part B requires active enrollment. 4 If) you re'planning to retire before 65, you ll'lose employer coverage and may need to get marketplace insurance to bridge the gap until Medicare kicks in. The Medicare.gov website has a great tool called When "can I sign up that" walks through all the scenarios. Start researching about 6 months before you turn 65 so you re'not scrambling!