Can I begin to get my social security monthly payments without taking medicare, since I am still working

You should contact yoru local Social Security office. Whether you can draw Social Security or not depends on whether you have worked enough. Many self employed people draw income out of their business through sources of income that don't pay into social security so that when they start to attempt to draw social security they haven't worked enough.

The Social Security allows people to even apply online for benefits. That web site is http://www.ssa.gov.

Social Security will tell you haw much you are entitled to as a benefit. Certainly you need to check out how much you will draw -- that will depend on how much you have paid into the system and when those payments into the social security system were made.

Medicare also offers prescription drug coverage -- certainly medical care is one very important reason why some people apply for social security benefits. Your situation is just a little unique, in that HIV medication is extremely expensive.

I woudl also suggest that youmight consult an attorney who specializes in "Elder Law" in your area. They might be able to advise you on a specific course of action that you should take. Each state has different thresholds of assets before Medicaid begins to cover medical expenses. Sadly your illness can be a long and expensive illness that can financially drain your estate. I think consulting a local attorney is a very wise thing for you to do.