@GaryB75446
Something doesn't seem right here - so just making sure of your situation.
You said: I have recently been approved for disability SS. I am 63 years old. They automatically signed me up for Medicare part B and the monthly costs. I don't need or want Medicare since I continue to be covered by my employer's group Medical (I'm on Long Term Disability). Before I decline Medicare I want to make sure I understand the 10% penalty.
A person on SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) who is less than 65 years old does NOT qualify for MEDICARE (none of it) until they have been on SSDI for (2) years unless you have (ALS) or end stage renal disease (ESRD). They waive the wait period for these conditions.
If that is your situation then yes, you would be allowed Medicare immediately - and it would be just as if you were at the age of 65.
Either way, you really MUST understand how this relates to your employer coverage because that is gonna determine what Medicare Parts you actually NEED now or can be put off until you either lose employer coverage or it is switched to a retiree type.
A lot of employer plans may require that you sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) - usually premium free since this is the Medicare Part that is paid for with your working years contribution. Then the employer coverage works with this part of Medicare on a hierarchy schedule of who pays 1st or 2nd.
But if either of those conditions mentioned above are applicable to you - you may need to reassess your Part B and perhaps Part D Medicare options now - based on your employer plan, when your LTD might end.
All I am saying here is, based on the info you provided here, your situation may be more complicated than the usual / normal.
It's Always Something . . . . Roseanna Roseannadanna