65+ and Still Working?

If you know the basics of Medicare, then you know that you can first enroll in a plan around the age of 65. However, if you or your spouse continue working after age 65, Medicare works differently. Continue reading for an in-depth explanation of your coverage options, including when you can enroll, or visit our “Medicare Basics” page to get up to speed on the ABCs of Medicare.

Do I need to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65?

If you and your spouse are not working, generally, you must sign up for original Medicare (parts A and B) during the initial enrollment period – the seven-month window around the month of your 65th birthday. However, depending on your individual circumstances, you may be allowed to enroll later or have both Medicare and your job-based insurance if you are still working. Check to see when you can enroll in Medicare based on a few common scenarios and how you can avoid late enrollment penalty fees.

I am still working (or my spouse is still working) and have health insurance from that employer.

You and your spouse can wait to enroll in Medicare part B (medical insurance) when you leave your employer group or lose your health insurance without paying a late enrollment penalty.

My employer has more than 20 employees.
If you don’t pay a part A premium (most Medicare recipients don’t), you can enroll in Medicare when you turn 65 or any time after. Your job-based insurance will pay first, and Medicare will pay second.

My employer has less than 20 employees.
If you don’t sign up for part A and part B, your job-based insurance may not cover your services. Ask your employer if you need to sign up for Medicare. If you do get Medicare and keep your job-based insurance, Medicare will pay first, and your job-based insurance will pay second.

You can read more about working past age 65 at medicare.gov.

How do I enroll in Medicare?

You can visit our “How to Enroll” webpage to get started on the Medicare enrollment process.