If you’re turning 65 and still working, you may not need to enroll in Medicare right away. It depends on your employer size and existing coverage. In most cases, if you have creditable coverage through an employer with 20+ employees, you can delay Medicare without penalties.
Do I have to enroll at 65?
Short answer: probably not. Medicare eligibility begins at 65, but enrollment isn’t mandatory with creditable employer coverage.
Key factor: your employer must have 20+ employees for existing coverage to qualify. Smaller employers may require Medicare as primary.
What about Part A?
Part A is hospital insurance — premium-free for most who worked 10+ years. Enrolling while on employer coverage can affect how claims process. Check with your benefits administrator first.
When I retire, what happens?
You have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B without penalty. The clock starts when employment or employer coverage ends — whichever is earlier. Missing this window triggers a 10% premium increase per 12-month period.
Part D has a 63-day window to avoid prescription drug penalties.
Employer size matters
20+ employees: employer plan is primary, Medicare is secondary. You can delay.
Fewer than 20: Medicare is primary. Enroll when first eligible.
Self-employed or individual plans: Medicare generally becomes primary at 65.
Can I keep both?
Yes, in many cases. Stay on employer plan only, enroll in Part A only, or have both. Right choice depends on health needs, prescriptions, costs, and how long you plan to work.
What is Medigap?
Medigap covers out-of-pocket costs Medicare doesn’t. You have a 6-month enrollment window starting when you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Part B. After that, medical underwriting may apply.
IRMAA
Higher earners may pay more for Part B and Part D. IRMAA uses tax returns from two years prior.
Start planning now
- Check with employer about creditable coverage
- Mark your SEP calendar
- Review medications
- Talk to a licensed agent
Ready to discuss your options? Call 888-960-0442 or visit trekis.net.
Trek Insurance Solutions is a Third-Party Marketing Organization (TPMO). 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.