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Ask Rusty · Social Security Q&A

Medicare enrollment and costs

Enrolling at 65 (or later while still working), Parts A and B, IRMAA surcharges, and how Medicare premiums come out of Social Security.

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Medicare: questions and answers

25 questions answered

  1. Must I Enroll in Medicare at Age 65?

    Sep 8, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    Turning 65 with creditable employer health coverage? You may defer Medicare enrollment penalty-free. Learn how Special Enrollment Periods and Part B rules work.

  2. We Were Bitten by Medicare’s IRMAA this year; What Should I Do?

    Aug 17, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    A 2024 RMD that pushed a couple's income past $218,000 raised their 2026 Medicare premiums, but lower 2025 income corrects it automatically for 2027.

  3. Is the Medicare Part B Premium a Percentage of our Social Security Amount?

    Aug 3, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    Medicare Part B premiums aren't a percentage of Social Security. Learn how CMS sets premiums, plus the hold harmless provision and IRMAA rules.

  4. Must I Set Up a Social Security Account to Enroll in Medicare?

    Apr 13, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    You don’t technically need to “set up” an online SSA account to enroll in Medicare, but it would be more efficient to do so.

  5. I’ll Be 65 Soon and am Working, Must I enroll in Medicare?

    Mar 30, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    I will be 65 in October and I am working full-time. I heard I have to apply for Medicare Part A only. Is this true?

  6. My Friend Is 65; Shouldn’t She Be Exempt From Medicare Payroll Taxes?

    Feb 17, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    Medicare taxes are levied on everyone who works and earns, regardless of whether or not they are currently enrolled in the Medicare program.

  7. About Tax Filing Status and Medicare

    Dec 1, 2025 · Ask Rusty

    About Tax Filing Status and Medicare - Ask Rusty

  8. I’m Still Confused about Medicare Part A and Part B Enrollment

    Aug 11, 2025 · Ask Rusty

    I’m Still Confused about Medicare Part A and Part B Enrollment - Ask Rusty

  9. For Some Simple Guidance About Medicare

    Nov 21, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – For Some Simple Guidance About Medicare

  10. Military Wife Turning 65 Seeks Information About Medicare

    Aug 22, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty - Military Wife Turning 65 Seeks Information About Medicare

  11. My Husband Still Works; Must He Enroll in Medicare at age 65?

    Mar 14, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – My Husband Still Works; Must He Enroll in Medicare at age 65?

  12. I’m Confused About Taking Medicare and Social Security

    Feb 28, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – I’m Confused About Taking Medicare and Social Security

  13. Do Medicare Part A and B Backup My Medicare Advantage Plan?

    Feb 7, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – Do Medicare Part A and B Backup My Medicare Advantage Plan?

  14. I Have Medicare Advantage - Why Is a Medicare Premium Deducted from my Social Security?

    Jan 3, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – I Have Medicare Advantage - Why Is a Medicare Premium Deducted from my Social Security?

  15. I Have VA Coverage; Should I Get Medicare Part B?

    Dec 13, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    I Have VA Coverage; Should I Get Medicare Part B? Ask Rusty

  16. Why Is My Medicare Part B Premium So High?

    Nov 8, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    Why Is My Medicare Part B Premium So High? Ask Rusty

  17. About “Registering” for Social Security & Medicare

    Nov 9, 2020 · Ask Rusty

    About “Registering” for Social Security & Medicare - Ask Rusty

  18. I Need Guidance on Social Security and Medicare

    Oct 13, 2020 · Ask Rusty

    I Need Guidance on Social Security and Medicare - Ask Rusty

  19. Why Are our Medicare Premiums Different?

    Apr 6, 2020 · Ask Rusty

    Why Are our Medicare Premiums Different? - Ask Rusty

  20. About the Dreaded “IRMAA” Provision

    Mar 9, 2020 · Ask Rusty

    About the Dreaded “IRMAA” Provision - Ask Rusty

  21. About Medicare and Social Security

    Aug 19, 2019 · Ask Rusty

    About Medicare and Social Security - Ask Rusty

  22. Confused about Working, Medicare and Spouse Benefits

    Jun 17, 2019 · Ask Rusty

    Confused about Working, Medicare and Spouse Benefits - Ask Rusty

  23. Why Should a Veteran Pay for Medicare?

    Feb 25, 2019 · Ask Rusty

    Why Should a Veteran Pay for Medicare? - Ask Rusty

  24. Spousal Benefits and Enrolling in Medicare

    Feb 19, 2019 · Ask Rusty

    Spousal Benefits and Enrolling in Medicare - Ask Rusty

  25. Using Health Savings Account (HSA) Funds while on Medicare

    Feb 12, 2019 · Ask Rusty

    Using Health Savings Account (HSA) Funds while on Medicare - Ask Rusty