Social Security & Medicare — An Overview for Retirees

Social Security & Medicare — An Overview for Retirees

By: Scott Adair, CFP®, Wealth Management Advisor

Older Americans have two major benefits to consider as they approach retirement age: Social Security and Medicare. This article will help you to understand the Social Security benefits available by age, answer the question “what is the retirement age for Medicare,” and explain the Medicare benefit options available at full retirement age.

A Brief History of Social Security and Medicare Benefits

Social Security benefits apply for anyone who is retired, at least 62-years-old, worked for at least ten years, and has paid Social Security taxes. Social Security was created in 1935 in the midst of the Great Depression. Medicare came along 30 years later. It provides significant health coverage for Americans age 65 and older. Both Social Security and Medicare are funded by payroll taxes. Known as FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act), the taxes are evenly split between employees and employers. People who are self-employed pay both portions, but can deduct half of the self-employment tax from their business income.

Social Security Benefits and Age Thresholds

Social Security benefits generally replace about 40 percent of a person’s earnings, on average. While many Americans are fortunate enough to have additional sources of retirement income, Social Security benefits can still be a substantial income supplement. Social Security benefit amounts are calculated using a formula that is based on your average indexed monthly earnings over the course of your highest 35 years of earnings.

You can get an estimate of what your monthly benefit will be at full retirement age from the Social Security Administration’s website (www.ssa.gov). Your full retirement age for Social Security benefits is determined by the year you were born. Currently, the ages range from 65 (for people born before 1938) to 67 (for people born in 1960 or later).

Changes to Social Security Benefits with Age

Deciding at which age to start taking Social Security benefits is important, and will likely vary based on your overall finances. Every year you defer benefits beyond your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount goes up by 8%. For this reason, many people defer taking benefits until age 70, especially those with family histories of longevity.

Others who need the cash flow sooner than age 70 may decide to take benefits at their full retirement age. People also have the option of receiving benefits as early as age 62. However, since taking benefits before your full retirement age causes the benefit amount to be permanently reduced, this is generally not advisable.

Spousal Benefits

In addition to receiving your own retirement benefit and Medicare at full retirement age, you may be eligible for a spousal benefit if you are married now or were married in the past. If you worked and are at least age 62, you can choose to take either your benefit or up to half of your spouse’s Social Security benefits at their full retirement age, whichever is greater. If you did not work and you are at least age 62, you are eligible for up to half of your spouse’s benefit at their full retirement age. To receive a spousal benefit, your spouse must be receiving their benefit.

If you have been divorced for at least two years, you can apply for spousal benefits on your ex-spouse if the marriage lasted for 10 or more years. If the higher-earning spouse with the bigger benefit dies first, the surviving spouse is entitled to receive their deceased spouse’s benefit, which replaces their own benefit.

Are Social Security Benefits Taxable during Retirement Age?

For people whose only source of income is Social Security, it is unlikely that their benefit would be taxable. For people with additional sources of income, some of their Social Security benefits may be taxable. If the total income (adjusted gross income + non-taxable interest + half of your social security benefit) is from $25,000 – $34,000 for an individual return or from $32,000 – $44,000 for a joint return, 50% of the benefit may be taxed. People with total income exceeding $34,000 on a single return or $44,000 on a joint return may have to pay taxes on 85% of their benefit.

At What Age Can You Claim Social Security Benefits?

You can file for Social Security four months before you want your benefit to start. The rules on Social Security benefits and taxation can be more involved than what is covered in this overview. For your specific situation, it is best to consult with a financial advisor or contact the Social Security Administration directly for assistance (www.ssa.gov).

Medicare: What Is the Retirement Age?

When Americans reach age 65, they are eligible to begin receiving Medicare health insurance, regardless of income, medical history, or current health status. In contrast to Social Security and its changing benefits by age, Medicare enrollment begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts for seven months. The federal government expanded the program in 1972 to include certain people under age 65 who have a long-term disability. Medicare is funded primarily by general revenues, payroll tax contributions, and beneficiary premiums. Medicare covers inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, and prescription drugs.

Different Types of Medicare Coverage

Now that you know what the retirement age is for Medicare, let’s take a look at the main parts of the program. Medicare coverage is divided into three main parts: Part A, Part B, and Part D. People usually get Parts A and B directly from the government, and they get Part D through a private insurance broker. Another option is to get Part C (Medicare Advantage Program), which is a combination of Parts A, B & D. Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility stays, some home health visits, and hospice care.

  • Part APart A is generally free, though there is a $1,364 deductible (2019) that must be met before a hospital or skilled nursing stay is covered.
  • Part BPart B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. The standard monthly premium for Part B starts at $135.50 (2019) and goes up to as high as $460.50 for people with a higher income. The premium is typically deducted from participant Social Security benefits checks at retirement age. There is also a $185 deductible that must be met, after which most services are 80% covered (you pay 20% of the cost).
  • Part DPart D covers prescription drugs, and the average monthly premium is about $34.

What is Medigap?

To help pay for services Parts A and B don’t cover, supplemental “gap” policies are also available. A Medigap policy only covers one person, and a monthly premium must be paid to the private insurance company that provides it. The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts on the first day of the month in which you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.

Before You Receive Medicare at Full Retirement Age

If you are planning on retiring and receiving Social Security benefits before age 65, paying for health insurance before you are eligible for Medicare coverage will probably be one of your biggest costs. It is important to factor this cost into your retirement planning. If you continue working past the age of 65, you can still enroll in Parts A & B. If you are maintaining health insurance through your employer, you may need to contact the Social Security office, let them know you do not wish to enroll in Part B, and pay that premium until you retire.

Consult a Fiduciary Wealth Management Advisor

As with Social Security benefits and age, rules about claiming Medicare at full retirement age can get complicated. Before making important decisions about your Medicare coverage and the age at which you’ll claim Social Security benefits, it is best to consult with a fiduciary financial advisor who can help you navigate the process. You can also get a lot of good information about “what is the retirement age for Medicare” and other questions you may have by visiting www.medicare.gov. Contact ML&R Wealth Management to schedule your free consultation and ensure a stress-free retirement today.

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About Author

Scott Adair, CFP®

Your wealth management goals are in good hands. Scott Adair hones in on your investment strategies and comes up with a plan that works for you. Scott is an Investment Advisor Representative and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). His advice is tailored to each individual client.

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