Deciding when to start Social Security is a big milestone—but did you know it can directly affect your health insurance options?

Whether you’re nearing 65 or filing early, your Social Security decision could impact your Medicare timeline—or trigger enrollment automatically if you’re already age-eligible.

Let’s break it down so you can plan wisely.

What Happens When You File If you apply for Social Security benefits at age 65 or later, you won’t be automatically enrolled in Medicare—but if you’re already receiving Social Security when you turn 65, you’ll be auto-enrolled in Medicare Part A (and Part B, unless declined).

• Already receiving Social Security before 65? You’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65.

• Applying for Social Security after 65? You can choose to enroll in Medicare during the application—but it’s not automatic.

This distinction matters because enrolling in Medicare affects whether you can:

• Stay on an employer group plan

• Delay enrollment without penalty

• Enroll in Marketplace coverage with subsidies

Key Considerations Before Filing

Still Working and Have Group Coverage?

If your employer has 20+ employees, you may want to delay filing so you can keep your group plan and delay Medicare Part B.

On a Marketplace Plan with Subsidies?

Once you become eligible for premium-free Part A, you’ll lose access to subsidies—even if you decline Medicare. Filing for Social Security at 65 could cancel your Marketplace help.

Contributing to an HSA?

Enrolling in any part of Medicare, including just Part A, means you can no longer contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA). This catches many people by surprise and can lead to tax penalties. If you're still working and contributing to an HSA, talk to us before filing.

👉 For more, check out our blog: HSA & Medicare: What to Know Before 65 and our detailed HSA + Medicare Checklist.

Already on SSDI?

You’ll be auto-enrolled in Medicare after 24 months of receiving disability benefits. We can help you prepare for this transition.

Need Help Navigating It All? Social Security and health insurance are deeply connected—but rarely explained together.

That’s why we created the Medicare & Social Security Unlocked guide and roadmap. It’s packed with checklists and real-world tips to help you make sense of your timing and your options.

Let’s Simplify Your Timeline Whether you're ready to file or just starting to plan, we’ll help you:

• Understand how your decision impacts Medicare and health insurance

• Avoid unnecessary penalties or premium jumps

• Coordinate your benefits with confidence

Book a no-cost consultation today and let’s build your plan together.

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