1. Health  Why am I being forced into Medicare at age 65?
Updated September 14, 2007  Question: Why am I being forced into
Medicare at age 65?  Every American aged 65 or older is eligible
for Medicare. Those who receive Social Security benefits are
automatically enrolled in Medicare. There is no way to opt out.
Either you enroll in Medicare Part A, or you forfeit your Social
Security benefits.  There is a great deal of speculation as to
why this is, but unfortunately, there is no clear answer.
Perhaps this policy was instituted to make it easier for seniors
to enroll in Medicare, and was never discontinued when private
coverage became more commonplace. Regardless of why, this is the
rule, and it is not likely to change in the near future.  Many
companies which offer retiree health benefits will terminate
your coverage when you turn 65 because they know you have access
to Medicare. In this case, even if the government weren't
forcing you to choose between Social Security and keeping your
private health cover