Medicare and working past 65

If you plan to work past age 65

If you or your spouse plan to keep working past age 65, you may not need to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65.

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

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.

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 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.

Learn more about Medicare eligibility & enrollment

Talk with your employer’s benefit manager to find out more, or connect with one of our Blue Cross Advisors to discuss your situation and avoid penalties.