Do retirement benefits start at 67? Not for Medicare

Yes, the full retirement age for Social Security has increased to 67 for those born in 1960 or later, while the eligibility age for Medicare has remained at 65. This means that while a person born in 1960 or later can't receive full Social Security benefits until 67, they can still enroll in Medicare at age 65, though they might need to sign up for Medicare only or delay their retirement benefits to do so. 

Social Security vs. Medicare

• Social Security: The full retirement age for receiving 100% of your Social Security benefits is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. You can start receiving reduced benefits as early as age 62.

• Medicare: The eligibility age for Medicare remains at 65 for most people.

• Retirement scenario: If you are 65 and want to enroll in Medicare but are not yet at your full retirement age for Social Security, you can sign up for Medicare only and delay your monthly Social Security payments.