There is a 29 month wait before you even qualify for Medicare: The 5 month eligibility for SSDI, plus 24 months.

Medicare is supposed to be a low cost health insurance for SSA recipients on a fixed income. If you choose to enroll in Medicare the premium will be deducted from your monthly benefits check.

But, you are not required to enroll in Medicare. If you are one of the lucky ones that has a good plan you can afford. Keep it.

But, also keep in mind that if you don't enroll when you are eligible, you can't just enroll at any time later. You have to wait for the open enrollment. I'm not sure, but think that is only once each year.