Enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B If You're Working Past Age 65

Whether you plan to retire at age 65 or age 75, your first step to getting the health coverage you need in retirement is to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B (together known as “Original Medicare”).

Let’s take a look at what this means if you’re retiring “late.”

Part B is medical insurance. If you already have medical insurance through your employer, you can wait to sign up for Part B until your employment ends or your employer health insurance ends (whichever comes first). 


This triggers a Special Enrollment Period, which allows you to sign up for Medicare within a certain period, without penalty. How long do I have to sign up?


For planning purposes: If you choose to enroll in Part B, your coverage begins the first day of the month after you submit your enrollment form. If you are still working, you can request to delay your Part B start date up to 3 months. 
 

Good to know: Talk to your human resources department. It’s possible they may require you to enroll in Part A and B when you turn 65. If you do not enroll, your employer health plan may not cover the costs for services you get.

 

Are there other scenarios when I may want to sign up for Original Medicare even if I'm still working?

 

Part A is hospital insurance, covering services like hospital stays.


Most people are automatically enrolled in Part A when they turn 65. This is because most people qualify for premium-free Part A, meaning you do not have to pay a monthly premium for Part A. 
 

Good to know: Talk to your human resources department. It’s possible they may require you to enroll in Part A and B when you turn 65. If you do not enroll, your employer health plan may not cover the costs for services you get.

If you do not qualify for premium-free Part A, you may wish to sign up when you first become eligible at age 65.

 

When is my Initial Enrollment Period?

 

How much does Part A cost if I do not qualify for premium-free Part A?

 

For planning purposes: Your Part A coverage begins retroactively up to 6 months from the month you submit your enrollment form (but no earlier than the month you turned 65).

You can enroll in Part A and/or Part B by submitting the application on the Social Security website.

Yes. If you are planning to join a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan after your employer health care coverage ends, you will need to be enrolled in Part A and Part B before you can enroll in one of these other private insurance plans. 


Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans are offered by private health insurance companies, and those companies cannot sign you up for Part A and Part B.

 

What are Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, and why might I choose to enroll in one?


How do I enroll in Part A and Part B?