Already Collecting Social Security? Here’s What Happens to Original Medicare When You Turn 65

If you’re collecting Social Security before you turn 65, you may assume your Original Medicare coverage will take care of itself. In some ways, it does, but you still have essential choices to make that could impact your healthcare and your wallet for years to come.  

At AAA Minneapolis Independent Insurance Agency, we regularly help people eligible for Original Medicare understand how their coverage works in tandem with Social Security.  

If you’re receiving Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled in:  

• Original Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) 

• Original Medicare Part B (medical insurance)  

Social Security automatically enrolls you on behalf of Original Medicare and will send you a welcome package a few months before your 65th birthday. However, this doesn’t mean your Original Medicare decisions are over.  

• Part A (hospital coverage) is premium-free for most people. It covers hospital stays, hospice, and some home health care.  

• Part B (medical insurance) comes with a monthly premium. In 2025, it’s $185, and higher for those with incomes above $106,00 (or $212,000 for joint filers).  

If you don’t need Part B right away, which could be the case if you’re still covered under an employer or spouse’s health plan, you can opt out temporarily. But be careful: if you delay and don’t qualify for an exception, you could face permanently higher premiums when you enroll later.  

Automatic enrollment only covers Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you want additional coverage, we can help you out.  

• A Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan covers extras like dental, vision, or hearing healthcare 

• A Plan D plan is healthcare coverage for prescription drugs 

Again, these aren’t included in your automatic enrollment, so you’ll need to enroll independently. We’re here to help.  

At AAA Minneapolis Independent Insurance Agency, we help clients compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans to ensure your coverage fits your needs and budget.  

If you’re outside the U.S. when you become eligible for Original Medicare, contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on enrollment. Generally, Original Medicare doesn’t provide coverage outside the U.S., so planning ahead is essential.  

What You Need to Do 

If you’re already receiving Social Security, you won’t need to apply for Parts A and B (Original Medicare), but you do need to:  

• Review your Part B enrollment decision 

• Decide if you want to add Part C or Part D 

• Compare plans during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is 3 months before to 3 months after your 65th birthday  

At AAA Minneapolis Insurance Agency, we help individuals eligible for Medicare navigate their options with confidence.  

Whether you’re deciding on Part B timing or evaluating Advantage and drug plans, our team can walk you through it.  

Schedule a free health insurance review and take the guesswork out of what happens next. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For personalized guidance, contact AAA Minneapolis Insurance Agency directly.