How does losing a spouse impact my Medicare plan if I was on their employer coverage?
Answered by 8 licensed agents
Answered by Brian Moore on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH
Answered by Nikki Rowland on April 11, 2025
Broker Licensed in SC & NC
Answered by John L Herman Jr on April 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD, DE & PA
Answered by Steve Brauer on April 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
Answered by Gary Henderson on April 19, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states
Answered by Kerwyn Jones on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 21 other states
Many times the employer plans are good but if you were to get a Medicare & Medicare supplemental plan, those plans usually end up to be better coverage. That doesn’t always happen, but it happens probably majority of the time.
Answered by Natalee Nimmo on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in SC, FL, GA & KY, MO, NC & TX
Things to know:
1. Impact and Timeframe to make a change: When your health insurance was through your spouse’s employer, the policy will typically be canceled. You should get informational packets from the employer explaining your timeframe. When coverage is terminated, a Special Election Period (SEP) opens giving you a two-month window to enroll in a Medicare Avantage Plan or a Medicare drug plan, according to https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan/special-enrollment-periods?.
2. COBRA as a possible option: You might be eligible for COBRA which typicall lasts up to 36 months in these circumstances. Keep in mind that COBRA can be pricey. You should also note that if you become eligible for Medicare, COBRA may only pay a small portion of our medical costs. You might wind up being responsible for the majority of the costs of treatment. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/working-past-65/cobra-coverage?
3. If you're 65 or older and lose your spouse's employer coverage, you should enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) during your SEP to avoid late enrollment penalties. Delaying enrollment could result in penalties and gaps in coverage.
What should you do?
1. If you haven’t already done so, reach out to Social Security to inform them of your change in circumstances and to initiate the Medicare enrollment process if you haven't already done so. SocialSecurity.gov allows you to see if you are enrolled and also if you are eligible for your spouse’s benefits.
2. Since you have developed a relationship with your insurance agent, they will be able to compassionately compare the costs and benefits of
Answered by Jeannie Pond on April 9, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, AZ, IN & NC, TN, TX & VA
Tags: Coverage New To Medicare
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