Do I have to be on Social Security to be eligible for Medicare?

No

No. I went on Medicare as soon as I was able, because I had no other health insurance. I didn't go on Social Security for two more years. In fact if you're younger than about 75 today, you can't get Social Security at 65, you have to be older. But you can still get Medicare as soon as you're 65.

Yes. When you file taxes, you have to pay both social security and medicare, even if you are self-employed. If you did not pay enough into either one, you won't be eligible for either one.

No. You go on Medicare at 65. Private insurance terminates at 65. Social security won't start at 100% until you are about 67. If you are nearing retirement, you really need to learn up on how all of this fits to you. Talk to the SS people at one of their offices. They will pull up your records and go over all of it with specifics.

no..don't think so

no

Nope.

No. Medicare at 65 is allowed even if you decide to wait until age 70.