Is This Coverage Based on Current Employment?
The Part B Special Enrollment Period generally depends on coverage from current employment—yours or your spouse's—not simply having some type of health insurance.
STILL WORKING AT 65?
Medicare & Employer Coverage Help in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Turning 65 while you or your spouse is still working can make Medicare timing confusing. Great Nation Insurance can help you understand the questions to ask before deciding when to enroll in Medicare and how your employer coverage may coordinate with it.
Do I Have to Enroll in Medicare at 65 If I'm Still Working?
Not everyone has the same answer. If you have health coverage based on your or your spouse's current employment, you may be able to delay Medicare Part B without a late enrollment penalty. However, the rules depend on the type of coverage and your employer situation.
Medicare recommends checking with the employer or benefits administrator before you turn 65. If the employer has fewer than 20 employees, you may need Medicare Part A and Part B when you become eligible because the job-based plan may not pay first.
Questions to Ask Before You Turn 65
How Many Employees Does the Employer Have?
Employer size can affect which coverage pays first. Medicare advises people with coverage from an employer with fewer than 20 employees to check whether they need Part A and Part B at 65.
Is My Drug Coverage Creditable?
Ask whether your employer prescription coverage is considered creditable for Medicare Part D and keep the annual creditable coverage notice for your records.
Do I Contribute to an HSA?
Medicare enrollment can affect Health Savings Account contributions. If you have an HSA, review the Medicare timing rules with your employer, tax adviser, Social Security or Medicare before enrolling.
What Happens When I Retire or Lose Employer Coverage?
If you qualify for the employer-coverage Special Enrollment Period, you can generally enroll in Part B while you still have qualifying job-based coverage or for up to eight months after the employment or group health coverage ends, whichever happens first.
COBRA does not extend this eight-month Part B enrollment window. Medicare says the Special Enrollment Period starts when employment or job-based coverage ends even if you elect COBRA. Waiting until COBRA ends can create a coverage gap or late-enrollment penalty.
Part B Enrollment Forms You May Need
CMS-40B
The Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B is used when you already have Part A and need to enroll in Part B.
CMS-L564
The Request for Employment Information provides proof of qualifying job-based health coverage when applying for Part B through the employer-coverage Special Enrollment Period.
Social Security handles Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment. Great Nation Insurance can help you understand your coverage choices, but Medicare eligibility and enrollment decisions should be confirmed with Medicare, Social Security and your employer benefits administrator when applicable.
What Coverage Comes After Part A and Part B?
Once your Medicare enrollment timing is clear, you can consider how you want to receive or supplement your Medicare coverage. Depending on your situation, options may include Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement policy and Part D prescription drug coverage, or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Common Questions About Working Past 65
Can I delay Medicare Part B if I'm still working?
You may be able to delay Part B without a late enrollment penalty if you have qualifying employer group health coverage based on your or your spouse's current employment. Confirm your situation with the employer benefits administrator and Medicare or Social Security.
Does COBRA count as current employer coverage for delaying Part B?
No. Medicare says COBRA is not considered group health coverage based on current employment for the Part B Special Enrollment Period.
How long do I have to enroll in Part B after I stop working?
If you qualify for the employer-coverage Special Enrollment Period, you generally have up to eight months after employment or the qualifying group health coverage ends, whichever happens first.
What if my employer has fewer than 20 employees?
Medicare advises checking with the employer about enrolling in Part A and Part B when first eligible. With fewer than 20 employees, job-based coverage might not pay properly if you do not have Medicare.
Can Great Nation Insurance help me plan before I retire?
Yes. We can help you understand the Medicare coverage options we offer and prepare for the transition. Questions about your employer plan and exact Medicare enrollment eligibility should also be confirmed with your benefits administrator, Medicare or Social Security.
Request a Working-at-65 Medicare Review
Tell us how to reach you and Great Nation Insurance can contact you to discuss your Medicare coverage questions and the options we offer.
OR CALL (918) 895-2000
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Great Nation Insurance is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.