Is Medicare Part A Mandatory?

Medicare Part A covers hospitalizations, skilled nursing facility care or home health care for rehab care, and hospice. 

If you are 65 or older and receiving Social Security, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A. 

If you started receiving Social Security before 65, you will be automatically enrolled in both Part A and B when you turn 65. 

If you are on an employer group plan, you can decline Part B. 

You cannot decline Part A. 

If you aren’t receiving Social Security at 65, it’s up to you when you want to sign up for Medicare and it will have to be done through the Social Security website. 

Also make sure that you sign up for a Medicare supplement plan as well as a Part D prescription drug plan.