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How To Apply For The Senior Medicare Benefits From The Social Security Department

Written By: Charlotte Senger
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: September 6, 2021
Last updated: March 30, 2023

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) work hand-in-hand in giving senior citizens and disabled individuals options for their Medicare benefits. 

In fact, it is the Social Security Department that is in charge of the enrollment of both Medicare Part A, which is hospital insurance, and Part B, which is medical insurance. Once you enroll at the department, you will receive a Welcome to Medicare package. In most cases, this will be sent to you three months prior to you turning 65 years old. 

This activates as soon as you turn 65, and you will then be able to receive benefits for Parts to And B. Part B is optional, but penalties or higher premiums may be given. Premiums of Part B may be deducted from what you pay monthly, should you avail of the Social Security benefits. 

In the event that you do not get the benefits, the CMS may send you bills. As of this year, premiums started at $148.50 monthly. This will go up as your beneficiary’s income increases. The Social Security department also communicates with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to determine whether or not you need to pay higher premiums, according to your income. 

Disabled seniors can qualify for Medicare benefits even before they turn 65. Should you already receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are instantly enrolled in both Part A and B if you have availed of the benefits for at least two years. 

Want to know more about what constitutes Social Security benefits? Check out Senior Strong's guide to Social Security for seniors today!

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Charlotte Senger is a senior discount expert who handles all financial concerns and ensures that seniors are able to save money. She got her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Texas.
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