Can I drop my employer health insurance and switch to Medicare instead?

Question

Steven Lovell · Accepted Answer

For foreign travel, a Medigap policy (plans G, N) or specific Medicare Advantage plans can cover emergency care, which often covers 80% of costs up to a $50,000 lifetime limit.

Jason Denniston · Answer

Yes, you can leave your employer health insurance and move to Medicare if it makes sense for your situation. What employers can’t do is pressure you or offer incentives to get off their plan just because you’re Medicare-eligible. Working with an independent Medicare broker helps you look at the bigger picture, especially if a spouse or dependents still need coverage through your employer plan.

Answered by Jason Denniston on May 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in IN, CO, FL & 10 other states

Answered by Jason Denniston Medicare Insurance Agent

Lea Vollmer · Answer

Yes, however, I would compare your premium under your employer plan with the Medicare Part B premium. Some employers pay for the employees' medical coverage premiums. Then I would look at the maximum out-of-pocket and the services you currently use in your employer plan and compare it to some Medicare Advantage plans and their copayments and MOOP. Most people do not pay attention to the MOOP. That is the most you will pay for medical expenses for the year. So, if you know you will be using your insurance a lot, does it matter how you get to MOOP? If you need help, contact me, Lea Vollmer

Answered by Lea Vollmer on May 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Lea Vollmer Medicare Insurance Agent

Nancy Courser · Answer

Yes, you can drop your employer health insurance (assuming you have no dependents on the plan including your spouse) if you're turning 65 and you've determined that moving to Medicare Part A & B with supplemental insurance makes the most sense while you continue to work (active employee). It's called a qualifying event when you are first eligible at age 65. Doesn't matter what time of the year you turn 65; you shouldn't have to wait for the employer's Open Enrollment.

Answered by Nancy Courser on June 1, 2026

Agent Licensed in MI, FL & TN

Answered by Nancy Courser Medicare Insurance Agent

Victor Gerber · Answer

Yes, you can drop your employer health insurance and switch to Medicare at age 65 or older. While you can generally make this switch, it is important to consider costs, coverage, and coordination of benefits, especially if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, in which case Medicare usually becomes primary.

Answered by Victor Gerber on May 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Victor Gerber Medicare Insurance Agent

Ben Washington · Answer

Can I drop my employer health insurance and switch to Medicare instead? yes , you have two months from time your coverage to enroll   MA or part D plan

Rich Baker · Answer

You should talk to your benefits coordinator about when you can drop your coverage. In general, yes you can, but you will want to ensure you get the timing right. Losing employer coverage (or spousal coverage) triggers a special election period to get your Parts A & B started and get your supplemental coverage set up, but you want to so do it so you have no gaps in coverage.

If you are past your 65th birthday, you’ll also want to have a loss of coverage letter handy in case medicare asks for evidence you had creditable coverage in the intervening time frame. 

You’ll also want to look at cost. Medicare Part B is $202.90 per month in 2026 and depending on which route you go for your supplemental coverage you could pay additional premiums of $200 or more. If your employer coverage costs less the part B Premium at a minimum, it might make more financial sense to keep your employer coverage until you’re ready to retire. 

In any case, it’s worth talking to a broker to fully understand your situation and what options are available to you.

Sam Silva · Answer

Yes, in many cases you can. However, the right timing depends on the size of your employer and your current coverage.

John Hawk · Answer

Maybe — but be careful.
If you're still working and your employer coverage is considered "creditable" (which most employer plans are), you can delay Medicare without penalty. But if you drop employer coverage and enroll in Medicare, a few things to know:

Part A is usually free — grabbing it at 65 is generally fine.
Part B is the tricky one. Once you drop employer coverage, you typically have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up without penalty.
HSA conflict — if you're contributing to an HSA, enrolling in any part of Medicare stops that.
Cost comparison — employer plans are often cheaper (especially if your employer subsidizes premiums), so run the numbers before switching.

Bottom line: It's allowed, but whether it's smart depends on your employer's plan cost, your health needs, and whether you're still working. Worth doing a consultation where we can do a side-by-side comparison before you pull the trigger.

Howell Silverman · Answer

You can if you’re eligible for Medicare. Use a qualified broker to check your options before making the switch.

Robin Dall · Answer

Yes, in many cases you can leave your employer health insurance and enroll in Medicare, but the timing and details matter. Before making the switch, it’s important to understand how your employer coverage works, whether your company has 20 or more employees, how prescription drug coverage compares to Medicare Part D, and whether enrolling late could trigger penalties.

Many people are surprised to learn that not all employer plans work the same with Medicare. Reviewing your doctors, medications, monthly costs, and future healthcare needs before dropping employer coverage can help you avoid gaps in coverage or unexpected expenses later.

Jim Kaefer · Answer

Yes you can anytime threw out the year just have to make sure you’re part B is active it open a special election period for you

Aurelia Chatman · Answer

If you are eligible for Medicare you can switch because it would create a special enrollment period. There are some things that you need to consider when switching; your premiums, prescription cost, doctors, and out of pocket cost to name a few. If you’d like I can help you compare your options.

Answered by Aurelia Chatman on May 25, 2026

Agent Licensed in GA, AL, CO & 18 other states

Answered by Aurelia Chatman Medicare Insurance Agent

Can I drop my employer health insurance and switch to Medicare instead?

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Can I drop my employer health insurance and switch to Medicare instead?

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A non-government resource website