Yes, your benefits are reduced because you are taking them earlier before full retirement age.  Full retirement age is 66 for people born between 1943 and 1954.Beginning with 1955, two months are added for every birth year until the full retirement age reaches 67 for people born in 1960 or later.
And is Medicare like medicaid?
Medicare is our country 's health insurance program for people age 65 or older .The program helps with the cost of health care , but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long - term care .
okay and do I have to start my benefits before 66 or 67 years old when I hit my full retirement age?