We tend to think of Medicare as “healthcare for retirees”, due to the fact that we become eligible for coverage when we turn 65. But in reality, plenty of people are still working at age 65, and the trend toward later retirement is expected to continue (and even become more common).\r
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So, if you’re still working and are covered by a group healthcare plan when you reach your 65’th birthday, you might be wondering what you’re supposed to do about Medicare.\r
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Yes, you still need to enroll. When you turn 65, enroll in Medicare regardless of your employment situation. Assuming that you or your spouse have worked at least ten years, and paid taxes into Medicare, you are eligible for premium-free coverage under Medicare Part A. You might also want to enroll in Medicare Part B, or in Part D (prescription drug coverage).\r
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Yes, you can have Medicare along with your other health insurance plan. If you already have health insurance coverage, you can still enroll in Medicare at 65. If your employer is a smaller company, Medicare will become your primary coverage and your group health plan will be secondary. In this case you definitely want Medicare Parts A and B, because it will be your primary coverage.\r
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If you work for a large employer, that health insurance plan will remain primary, with Medicare serving as secondary coverage.\r
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Either way, having group health insurance along with your Medicare could mean lower out-of-pocket costs for you.\r
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You can delay Part B and Part D enrollment, if you prefer. Normally, failing to promptly enroll in Part B or D coverage at age 65 can result in paying a penalty when you finally do enroll. However, if you’re still working and are covered by your employer’s plan, you can delay this enrollment with a confirmation of creditable coverage from your employer. This way you can avoid the late enrollment penalties when you do enroll in those plans later.\r
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You are responsible for remembering the deadline. You can enroll in Medicare beginning three months before your birth month, or for three months afterward. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Medicare will not remind you of your IEP unless you’re receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, so mark this date on your calendar.\r
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If you have questions about Medicare plans, or how enrollment works when you’re not yet retired, please give us a call. We can offer more detailed advice once we discuss your situation.