06/13/2025
🧓 Turning 65 and Still Working? Here's How Medicare Works With Your Employer Plan
âś… Step 1: Understand Your Options
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance):
Usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years.
You can enroll at 65 even if you keep your employer coverage.
Acts as secondary insurance to your employer plan.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance):
Has a monthly premium.
You can delay enrollment without penalty if your employer coverage is creditable (most large employer plans are).
đź•’ Step 2: Know When to Enroll
Enroll in Part A at 65 (optional but recommended).
Delay Part B until you retire or lose employer coverage.
When you retire, you get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Part B without penalty.
🧾 Step 3: Confirm Your Coverage
Ask your HR or benefits administrator:
Is my employer coverage creditable for Medicare?
Will my plan change if I enroll in Medicare?
⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes
❌ Don’t miss your SEP — late enrollment in Part B can mean lifetime penalties.
❌ Don’t assume COBRA or retiree coverage counts as creditable — it doesn’t.
