Does Your Medicare Card Automatically Arrive in the Mail When Turning 65?

Hello Toni:

I turned 65 in December and have not received my Medicare card. I am working full- time with company benefits and not taking my social security check. A co-worker said I should have already received my card because her parents did at 65.  Do I call Medicare or what to enroll? Do I have to be receiving my Social Security check to get Medicare? Can you please explain what I should do?

Thanks, Janie, Longview, TX

Janie:

I have good news for you because your Medicare situation is fine!  You are working full-time with company insurance.  You are not receiving your Social Security check yet, so your Medicare card would not come automatically. When you decide to retire and are no longer under your or your spouse’s employer health insurance is when you need to apply for Medicare. This is one of the main topics during a Toni Says Medicare consultation.

Most people think that when they turn 65, a magical switch is turned on and poof automatically they are on Medicare! Medicare changed the rules…