QUESTION: I was born in 1944 and my full retirement age is 66. Do I have to wait until 66 to get Medicare?Answer: No. Medicare benefits begin when a person reaches age 65. If you wait to collect your retirement benefits until age 66, you should still contact Social Security about enrolling in Medicare at age 65. If you delay, you may pay a premium penalty later on. Even if you are still working at age 65 and not receiving Social Security benefits, your employer health plan may require you to file for Medicare at age 65. For more information visit Social Security's website at www.socialsecurity.gov/mediinfo.htm or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the publication, Medicare.