Turning 65 doesn’t mean you have to retire—or enroll in Medicare right away. If you’re still working (or your spouse is), Medicare works a little differently. Knowing your rights and options can help you avoid penalties, double coverage, or missed benefits.
Let’s break down exactly how Medicare works when you’re still employed at 65.
What’s Inside?
- Do I Have to Enroll in Medicare at 65?
- If You Have Employer Coverage
- What Should I Do at 65?
- What Happens When You Retire?
- Watch Out for These Common Mistakes
- Final Advice
Do I Have to Enroll in Medicare at 65?
No, not always.
If you (or your spouse) have active employer coverage, you might be able to delay Medicare Part B and avoid late penalties—but only under certain conditions.
If You Have Employer Coverage
✔️ Employer has 20+ Employees:
- Your employer plan is considered credible coverage
- You can delay Part B without penalty
- You can enroll later during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
❌ Employer has fewer than 20 employees:
- You should enroll in Medicare at 65
- Medicare becomes your primary insurance
- Your job’s insurance pays after Medicare
- Delaying could result in penalties or denied claims
👉 Not sure how many employees your company has? Ask our team to verify
What Should I Do at 65?
| Medicare Part | Action If Still Working | Notes |
| Part A (Hospital) | Usually sign up | It’s free for most people |
| Part B (Medical) | Delay if you have credible employer coverage | Avoid premium |
| Part D (Drugs) | Delay if employer plan includes prescription coverage | Must be “creditable” |
| Medigap/Advantage | Delay until you retire | You have a Special Enrollment Period |
📌 Learn more about Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D
ADVERTISEMENT
What Happens When You Retire?
Once you (or your spouse) stop working or lose employer coverage, you have 8 months to enroll in:
- Medicare Part B
- Medigap or Advantage Plans
- Part D (Drug Plans)
This is called the Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Missing it may mean lifetime penalties.
👉 Talk to our Medicare consulting team for help transitioning smoothly.
Watch Out for These Common Mistakes
- Thinking COBRA counts as credible coverage (it doesn’t)
- Assuming your job coverage is better—it may not be once you factor in Medicare
- Delaying Part B when your employer has fewer than 20 employees
- Not checking if your prescription plan is “creditable”
💡 Not sure where you stand? We can review your coverage
Final Advice
If you’re still working at 65, Medicare doesn’t have to be confusing or expensive. But the key is knowing:
- When to enroll
- What coverage to delay
- And how to avoid penalties
📞 Our licensed agents at SecureSafer are here to help.
Visit SecureSafer.com or call us at (646) 444-2020
ADVERTISEMENT