Yes — you can have both Medicare and employer insurance at the same time. In fact, many people delay or combine coverage depending on their situation.
Whether you’re still working at 65, covered under a spouse’s plan, or figuring out when to enroll, understanding how Medicare works with employer health insurance is key to avoiding late penalties or coverage gaps.
At SecureSafer.com, our licensed New York agents help you make the right decision based on your income, job status, and plan type.
What’s Inside
- How Medicare Works With Employer Insurance
- Should I Delay Medicare If I Have Employer Insurance?
- Can I Keep My Employer Insurance After Retiring?
- Coordinating Medicare With Union or COBRA Coverage
- Summary: Key Takeaways
- Book your consultation today!
How Medicare Works With Employer Insurance
The main factor that determines how Medicare and employer insurance work together is the size of the employer.
If your employer has 20+ employees:
- Your employer insurance pays first, and Medicare is secondary.
- You can delay Medicare Part B and D without penalty, as long as your employer coverage is creditable.
- You may still want to enroll in Part A, which is usually premium-free.
If your employer has fewer than 20 employees:
- Medicare pays first, and your employer coverage becomes secondary.
- You should enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B to avoid gaps in coverage and late penalties.
For official details, see Medicare.gov – Working Past 65.
Should I Delay Medicare If I Have Employer Insurance?
It depends. Here are some things to consider:
- Part A: Usually free. Most people enroll at 65 even if they keep working.
- Part B: You can delay it if your employer insurance is creditable.
- Part D: You can also delay this without penalty if your drug coverage is creditable.
Learn more about delaying enrollment on Medicare.gov’s late enrollment page.
Still unsure? Our team can help evaluate your current employer plan and let you know if delaying Medicare makes sense.
Can I Keep My Employer Insurance After Retiring?
Some employers offer retiree health coverage, which may work alongside Medicare — but it’s not the same as active coverage. In most cases, you’ll still need to:
- Enroll in Medicare Part A and B
- Possibly add a Part D plan for prescriptions
- Consider a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan for extra coverage
Explore options on our Medicare Consulting page or ask about plans designed for retired workers in New York.
Coordinating Medicare With Union or COBRA Coverage
If you’re covered through COBRA or a union plan, Medicare rules still apply:
- If you become eligible for Medicare, you typically need to enroll — COBRA alone is not considered creditable long-term.
- Delaying could lead to penalties and no drug coverage.
Summary: Key Takeaways
| Situation | Should You Enroll in Medicare? |
| Still working, employer has 20+ employees | Can delay Part B and D |
| Still working, employer has <20 employees | Should enroll in Part A and B |
| Retired with COBRA or union benefits | Enroll in Medicare to avoid penalties |
| Spouse’s employer plan | Rules depend on plan size and coverage type |
Book your consultation today!
Still working? Planning to retire? Covered under a spouse’s plan? You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Call SecureSafer at (646) 444-2020 or visit SecureSafer.com to get personalized help from a licensed New York agent — no pressure, just answers.
ADVERTISEMENT