I worked for the federal government for 30 years and took early retirement. How does my federal retirement affect my Medicare options?

Question

Jonathan Potter · Accepted Answer

Well that depends on a lot of factors. If you are not 65 then you don't have an option to get on medicare unless you are diagnosed with a disability. 

If you are 65 and the your coverage will stop at 65 then you need to get on medicare part A and 
B.

If you are 65 and the government is giving you lifetime coverage then you need to see if it is worth paying the medicare part B premium and adding medicare or just staying on your current coverage.

Bob Greco · Answer

Medicare works with your retirement plan. Once you retire, Medicare will be the first payer and your government plan will be the second payer. Make sure you give the provider both your Medicare card and your insurance card.

Answered by Bob Greco on June 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO, IA & IL

Answered by Bob Greco Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Due to your work history, when you become Medicare-eligible, you have the same rights as those who did not work for the Federal Govt. Most folks like you have enjoyed excellent healthcare benefits during your career. You will be tasked with comparing what benefits you have retained as a veteran of the govt., vs. what you "might" gain as a Medicare person in your particular State. 

The real dilemma with folks like you is that you likely did not contribute to Social Security and rather will get a pension. You also have the right to speak with a counselor or a Human Resources person with whom you can question about how most govt-veterans go about using Medicare throughout your lifetime.

Diana Garner · Answer

After working for the Federal Government for 30 years, you are eligible for Medicare Part A & B even if you retired early.

Enrolling in Medicare doesn't affect your FEHB premiums, but it does change the order in which you receive health insurance coverage. When you enroll in Medicare, it becomes the primary payer for your medical expenses. Your FEHB will continue to be your secondary insurance.

John L Herman Jr · Answer

Health Care Plans from the Federal Government are vary good Plans. You still must wait until you are 65 to receive Medicare, except in certain circumstances. Then you would have Medicae as your primary insurance and the Federal Plan as your secondary.

Answered by John L Herman Jr on April 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in MD, DE & PA

Answered by John L Herman Jr Medicare Insurance Agent

Bill Wheeler · Answer

Good question.  You should not have many changes .Your medicare pays first and your retirement benefit insurance will pay secondly. 

Thanks for your question.



,

Steve Brauer · Answer

Your 30 years of work with the Federal Government should not affect your Medicare when you reach the age of 65. Every situation is different, but you may have different options after you've enrolled into your Part A and B since you've been with the Federal Government.

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Marcie Barnes · Answer

As a retired Federal worker you're given Federal Employee Benefits such as Blue Cross health insurance.  

Medicare is your primary coverage and your FEP plan is secondary.

There are no other options other than dropping your FEP benefits to have a Medicare Advantage plan.

Your FEP coverage is better, so I don't recommend it

Deborah Webster · Answer

You may be eligible for a federal retirement group retiree plan. This will not affect your Medicare eligibility but may offer you better plan options than someone who is only eligible for individual Medicare plans.

Answered by Deborah Webster on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent

Karen Ansell · Answer

You have several options and should discuss them with your HR department to see which is best for you.
You can continue your federal plan and not choose Medicare or the can choose Medicare A & B and keep you federal plan and benefits will be coordinated.

Kelly Linster · Answer

Depending on federal plan you are offered, you may or may not have to enroll in part B of Medicare. Potentially saving you the part B premium.

Mark Murphy · Answer

Early retirement should not affect your Medicare eligibility.  You can apply for Medicare 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday

Phyllis Dixon · Answer

It is best to confirm options with the Federal Benefits representatives or the online benefits portal. Unless changed recently Part B is optional but a person could decide later to add Part B. However it would likely be with a penalty for not enrolling in Medicare Part B according to timing rules. Most retirees would opt for federal benefits and not turn them down when retiring.

Answered by Phyllis Dixon on April 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in VA, MD & SC

Answered by Phyllis Dixon Medicare Insurance Agent

I worked for the federal government for 30 years and took early retirement. How does my federal retirement affect my Medicare options?

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I worked for the federal government for 30 years and took early retirement. How does my federal retirement affect my Medicare options?

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