07/22/2026
"I don't want to get a Medicare penalty!"
This is by far the most common concern I hear from people approaching Medicare.
"I'm turning 65, but I'm still working. Do I have to enroll in Medicare now, or will I be penalized if I don't?"
The good news is that avoiding penalties is usually pretty straightforward. Just answer these two questions:
✅ 1. Are you (or your spouse) actively working for an employer?
✅ 2. Does that employer provide creditable health insurance?
Important: If your employer is simply reimbursing or paying for an ACA/PENNIE Marketplace plan, that is NOT considered creditable coverage once you're eligible for Medicare.
If you answered YES to both questions:
✔️ You do not have to enroll in full Medicare right away.
✔️ You will not be penalized for delaying Medicare Part B while you continue working.
For many people, the next step is to enroll in Medicare Part A only, which is typically premium-free and usually pays secondary to your employer health plan.
One important exception: HSA contributions
If you want to continue contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA), do not enroll in Medicare Part A.
Once any part of Medicare begins—including Part A—you are no longer eligible to make HSA contributions.
Also remember that when you eventually enroll in Medicare Part A after delaying it, your coverage is generally retroactive for up to six months (but not earlier than when you first became eligible). That retroactive coverage can affect HSA contribution eligibility, so planning the timing is important.
Ready to enroll in Medicare Part B?
When it's time to leave your employer coverage and activate Medicare, you'll typically need to submit these forms to Social Security:
📄 CMS-40B – Application for Medicare Part B
📄 CMS-L564 – Request for Employment Information
You can download both forms here:
https://www.ssa.gov/forms
At Fogarty Insurance Advisors, we help our clients every step of the way—from enrolling in Medicare correctly to choosing the insurance coverage that best fits their needs.
🌐 www.MindfulMedicare.com
📞 717-798-4911
Have questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out—we're always happy to help!
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"I don't want to get a Medicare penalty!"This is by far the MOST ...
