I am getting social security disability benefits and I get Medicare. I pay a premium price for Medicare due to a penalty that I'm under. I was told that when my disability benefits turn over to retirement benefits, the Medicare penalty will stop. What is the earliest age that I can retire without decreasing my disability benefits so that I can stop paying that penalty?

Hi,

I'm assuming that you're referring to paying a surcharge on your Part B premiums due to late enrollment. If that's the case, your premium surcharge should be removed effective with the month you reach age 65 (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0601001010#b3). You do not need to switch to retirement benefits in order to qualify for the lower premium.

Your disability benefits (SSDI) will automatically convert to regular retirement benefits at the same rate when you reach your full retirement age (FRA). If you switched to retirement benefits anytime prior to FRA your benefit rate would be reduced for age.

Best, Jerry