Medicare and working past 65
Learn what your Medicare enrollment options are if you plan on working past age 65
Your options
If you or your spouse plan to keep working past age 65, you may not need to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65.
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If your employer has more than 20 employees
If your employer has more than 20 employees and you’re covered by your employer’s health insurance, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B.
- Your employer’s plan must cover doctor visits and outpatient services and have a prescription drug program that is considered creditable by Medicare
- When you retire or leave work, you’ll qualify for an eight-month special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B without a penalty
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If your employer has fewer than 20 employees
You may have to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65, even if you plan to continue working. Medicare will become your primary coverage and your employer’s plan will pay secondary to Medicare.
Special enrollment
How do I qualify for Medicare special enrollment?
You may qualify for a Medicare special enrollment period if:
- You delayed Medicare Part B because you or your spouse or domestic partner had medical coverage through an employer or union
- You canceled Part B coverage because you went back to work and were covered by a group medical plan
The special enrollment period lasts eight months. It begins when your employer coverage ends or when your employment ends – whichever is first.
Request a form from your employer to begin your special enrollment period, and then send the form with your Medicare Part B enrollment form to Social Security. If you continue your employer coverage through COBRA, you should enroll in Medicare Part B during the first three months of your COBRA coverage to avoid the late enrollment penalty.
Resources and help
It doesn't have to be hard
Our Blue Cross Advisors are here to:
- Help you learn about Medicare basics and our plans
- Assist you in finding a plan that meets your needs
- Help you enroll in a plan
Understanding Medicare
Use this free step-by-step guide to learn about the essentials of Medicare. It covers the four parts of Medicare, when to enroll, how to avoid penalties and more.
Download Step-by-Step Guide — English (coming soon)
Download Step-by-Step Guide — Spanish (coming soon)
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