If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?

Question

Chad Cason · Accepted Answer

If you have employer-based health insurance through your or a spouse's current employment, where there are more than 20 employees, and you're happy with the costs, such as monthly deductions/premiums and coverage, like potential out-of-pocket costs, you can delay Medicare enrollment without accruing penalties. If this is you, it's best to schedule a quick call so we can discuss your situation. Chad

Answered by Chad Cason on March 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, FL & 13 other states

Answered by Chad Cason Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

Suppose they have a Medicare-qualified group insurance plan. In that case, they do not necessarily need to enroll in Medicare until they retire, and they then have 63 days to make that decision without penalties. However, one would need to analyze correctly what the two different coverages would consist of, the cost, co-pays, and deductibles before making the final decision.

Answered by Larry Dalton on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Melonie Wood · Answer

They need to look at the cost. If an employer plan is cheaper, I always recommend they stay on the employer plan. With Medicare, you have a part B that you pay for, Social security will take your Part B premium out of your social security. If you do not take social security yet, you will be billed for your apart B premium. In 2025 is is $185.00

Answered by Melonie Wood on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & AL

Answered by Melonie Wood Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Moore · Answer

Hitting 65 while still working means you’re automatically getting Medicare Part A—it’s free for everyone, no opting out, and it’s a solid backup to your employer’s coverage. From my experience, signing up for Part B makes sense too; it’s usually way cheaper than what you’d pay monthly through a job’s plan, often has no annual deductible, and throws in extra perks you won’t find in most group benefits. Delaying Part B is an option if your work insurance is top-notch, but I’ve seen Part B save folks money and headaches, so I’d lean toward enrolling now!

Answered by Brian Moore on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Answer

The key questions here are, how good is the senior's employer group plan and what is the cost? Then compare that with the cost of Medicare Part B, typically $ 185 / month, in combination with a Medigap or Advantage plan.

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen on March 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI, AZ, CA & 16 other states

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen Medicare Insurance Agent

Tasha Riggs · Answer

Depends on the plan.  Most my clients go on Medicare even if it costs more because the coverage is stronger. For instance a Plan G is only a 257 deductible then you have 100% Coverage.

Brian Krantz · Answer

It depends on the size of the employer. If there are 20 or more employees, they can usually delay Part B without a penalty. But it's always smart to double-check the details.

Misty Bolt · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/if-a-senior-is-turning-65-but-still-working-should-they-enroll-in-medicare-or-delay-it#misty-bolt

James Carlson · Answer

There are many reasons to start medicare even when continuing to work.  Les cost, more benefits, less costly drugs.

Robert Pennington · Answer

I suggest taking Part A and as long as they have creditable medical and Rx coverage, wait  until they are ready to quit to apply for Part B

Charles Fletcher · Answer

Whether a senior turning 65 should enroll in Medicare or delay it while still working depends on their job situation—specifically, their employer’s size and health plan. Here’s how it breaks down:

If the employer has 20+ employees: The company’s group health plan is usually "primary" (pays first), and Medicare is "secondary." In this case, they don’t have to enroll in Medicare right away. They can stick with the work plan and delay Medicare Parts A and B without penalties, as long as the job coverage is “creditable” (meets Medicare standards). Part A (hospital coverage) is free, though, so some sign up for it as a backup since it can coordinate with the work plan. Part B (doctor visits, outpatient care) has a monthly premium, so delaying it often makes sense to avoid double costs.

If the employer has fewer than 20 employees: Medicare typically becomes primary, and the work plan secondary. Here, they should enroll in Medicare Parts A and B at 65, because the work insurance might not cover much unless Medicare kicks in first. Skipping it could mean gaps in coverage or higher out-of-pocket costs.

Other Factors: If their work plan is pricey or skimpy (high deductibles, limited drug coverage), switching to Medicare might save money or improve care, even with a big employer. They’d need to compare premiums, copays, and drug formularies. Also, if they have an HSA, signing up for Medicare stops HSA contributions—something to weigh if they’re still saving there.

How to Delay: If they skip Medicare Part B (the part that costs a monthly premium) at 65 because of a solid work plan, they will get a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) later to turn on Part B and enroll in a plan in short order at that time.

Amy Putrino · Answer

This is a very tricky question.  There are many variables.  Each individual should seek guidance to make sure that they make the solid choice and avoid penalties, down the line.

Alondra Arce · Answer

If they have employer insurance with 20 or more employees: They can delay signing up for Medicare without penalty and keep their work insurance. Once they retire or lose that insurance, they’ll need to enroll in Medicare.

If they have employer insurance with fewer than 20 employees: They must sign up for Medicare at 65 to avoid gaps in coverage and potential penalties.

Karen Boudreaux · Answer

It depends some companies require you to apply for Medicare party and B. But if they don’t, it’s not necessary until you stop your employer coverage and some cases Medicare ANB is actually a better route to go along with having either a advantage plan or a Medicare supplement so that’s something that would be necessary to explore.

Answered by Karen Boudreaux on March 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & 5 other states

Answered by Karen Boudreaux Medicare Insurance Agent

Samantha Jellison · Answer

It depends. Are they on their Employer’s group coverage plan? Is it creditable? Is it more expensive than Medicare? There are a lot of factors to consider. Do you have a spouse under 65 that you are providing coverage for? Does is make sense financially? 
This is why it’s important to work one on one with an agent/broker in order to determine what is right for you.

Danny Radisewitz · Answer

It depends! We are careful to use " depends" in a Senior discussion! Lol!
Enrolling in a premium free Part A Medicare could penalize someone who is trying to maximize their Tax Free accumulation goal. However, in most cases enrollment in Part A is a good strategy if there is no Health Savings Account available for our clients. Enrolling in Part B  and keeping your Employee Group Coverage or disenrolling is a complex and should only be made after meeting with a highly competent Medicare licensed agent.

Melanie McCloud · Answer

If you are turning 65 and still working, you should not delay Medicare without an extremely thorough needs analysis with a Broker. When you delay Medicare, you'll later have to -- what we call 'clean up the mess'. When you later try to apply for the parts of Medicare you delayed, you'll have to prove to the Government that you had creditable coverage for the years you've delayed your Medicare. While our team will walk you through this and get it done, I can assure you that when dealing with the government (social security) nothing is ever 'cut and dry'.

Answered by Melanie McCloud on May 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL & GA

Answered by Melanie McCloud Medicare Insurance Agent

Patrick Hecht · Answer

This depends on your situation. If you're still working and have employer coverage through a company with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay/defer Medicare Part B without penalty. Many people in this situation choose to enroll in Part A since it's usually premium-free, and delay their Part B to avoid paying the extra premium while still covered at work. However, if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare often becomes your primary coverage, even if you're still working, so it's important to enroll to avoid gaps and penalties. The best move is to compare costs and coverage between your employer plan and Medicare. That is where I come in, I'll help you weigh all your options so you can make an informed decision.

Answered by Patrick Hecht on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, CA, MD, PA & WV

Answered by Patrick Hecht Medicare Insurance Agent

Soledad Ramirez · Answer

If they work for a company that has more then 20 employees and the coverage is being paid in FULL then YES delay until retirement - IF you work at a company with less then 20 employees, then YES enroll into Medicare - ALSO if you are paying a portion of your coverage at work - it's BEST to see what it would cost if you were on your OWN - it could be quite less and BETTER coverage and lower costs in general.

Answered by Soledad Ramirez on March 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, NV & WA

Answered by Soledad Ramirez Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Denniston · Answer

Normally you will be enrolled in part A （hospital Coverage） automatically when you turn 65. With part B you can opt out if you have a credible coverage plan offered by your employer. If the employer plan is what is considered credible coverage and cost less the part B premium of Medicare, you may want to stay on your employer plan. You should check with your HR to be sure what would be best for you individually. You can enroll in part B when you leave your employer and go onto Medicare A and B. You may find that your employer plan does not cover you as well Medicare plans. You should compare based on your needs.

Answered by Michael Denniston on May 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 11 other states

Answered by Michael Denniston Medicare Insurance Agent

Michelle Sparks · Answer

If you are turning 65 and still working you generally will have the option to either continue with your employer group health plan (EGHP) or switch to Original Medicare- Part A and Part B. Some EGHPs require you to take Medicare at 65- so this is something you will want to check on with your Human Resources/Benefits department.  

The first step is to enroll in Original Medicare through the MySSA portal online via the Social Security website (www.ssa.gov). You can apply online for Medicare only- taking only about 20 minutes of your time. 

Once you are enrolled in Part A/Part B of Medicare, my recommendation is to work with a healthcare broker who can compare your Medicare options to your EGHP and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you.  In addition to looking at cost and coverage comparisons, they will ensure your EGHP is creditable, so that you are not at risk of a penalty for Part B or Part D. 

A Medicare broker will also be ready to assist you when you do stop working and wish to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) with a stand alone Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).  They will also ensure you enroll during your Special Enrollment Period to avoid penalties and ensure no gap in coverage.

Robert Krauthamer · Answer

If you are working for an employer with 20 or more employees and you have health insurance with them that is on average equal or better than what Medicare offers, then you could delay enrolling in Medicare. For some people it may make sense to enroll in Part A only. If you are paying a high premium for your employer health insurance, you may want to compare your employer plan with your Medicare options.

Answered by Robert Krauthamer on March 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA

Answered by Robert Krauthamer Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

You can apply for Part A which is premium free if you or your spouse worked and paid taxes for at least 10 years. The Part B can be delayed without a penalty if you decide to keep your employer insurance but you also have an option to compare group coverage vs Medicare coverage in terms of premium and benefits.

Answered by Timothy Brown on March 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states

Answered by Timothy Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Always good to talk to the professional either way! But some take their Part A as a backup to the existing coverage, even if they are deferring the Part B. But complete cost comparisons should be done to evaluate your best positioning.

Answered by Norman Smith on March 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregg Matheny · Answer

Delay it. If your employer coverage is working for you and your needs, as well as not costing you an arm and a leg then go ahead and “delay part B”. Medicare will have a known cost of at least $185 per month (part B premium) + whatever plan you add on top of that. If you’re currently paying more than that and not “using your employer plan benefits” then you may be better off getting onto Medicare. A broker can help you make a “pros and cons” list and think through your options.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pyers · Answer

They can delay enrollment in Medicare A and B as long as they are working for a group of 20 or more people and the employer coverage is a good as Medicare. However, we always recommend that they go ahead and enroll in Part A.

Answered by Michael Pyers on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH & MI

Answered by Michael Pyers Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

This is important to review with a Medicare broker.    If you are able 6-12 months before Turning 65 review with a broker your thoughts about continuing to work and if you are able to stay on your Employer plan.    Comparing an Employer plan to Medicare to understand if delaying Part B is necessary.

If this is a decision you are making contact me to review.

John L Herman Jr · Answer

Turning 65 starts the ball rolling as MEDICARE is automatic for all who are entitled to it.  Whether the Senior continues to work, whether their current employer has “credible” insurance, perhaps the Senior is ex-Military…there are many facets that determine the answer to this question.  

And as always I recommend speaking with a Licensed Independent Broker who has studied hard to obtain their State License, and then studied further to become appointed to enroll clients in all major Insurance Carriers in a given area.

Shelly Hefley · Answer

The decision to enroll in Medicare is partially decided on their current coverage. Cost of the current coverage and the limits of that coverage play a big part in determining the need for additional coverage. Sometimes it is best to have Medicare as a second coverage and utilize other ways to cut back on the cost of Medicare!

Answered by Shelly Hefley on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN

Answered by Shelly Hefley Medicare Insurance Agent

Tammy Stoner · Answer

It is not required to enroll in Medicare if an individual is still working and has credible health coverage. 

Depending on the situation, some companies may require enrollment to part B. If an employee sponsored plan has high costs and deductibles, it may be more cost effective to enroll in Medicare vs employer plan. 

Be cautious. If you do not enroll when first eligible, you will be assessed a LEP late enrollment penalty.

A comprehensive review with me will help you determine which option is best.

Chad Watkins · Answer

Anyone who has employer coverage does not need to activate their Medicare part B as they would be paying a premium for insurance that they do not need. Therefore, they should delay it.

Joseph Peck · Answer

Each situation is different. That is why i come out, review your scenario, and figure out what is best for you.

Gretchen Morris · Answer

If they have what is called creditible coverage (ie; coverage as good as or better than medicare) then they do not have to take medicare a and b at 65. Sometimes however their company plan may cost them MORE than medicare so that is a consideration. If they do decide they want to take medicare at 65, the other caveat is not contributing to their HSA for the 6 months leading up to that date.

Answered by Gretchen Morris on March 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in MN, AZ, FL & WI

Answered by Gretchen Morris Medicare Insurance Agent

Paul Dzierzanowski · Answer

If turning 65 and still working, whether or not you should enroll in Medicare depends in part on what other coverage is available to you. In general, if you have a group plan and the cost of the group plan would be less than your cost on Medicare part B and a supplement or Medicare Advantage plan, then you should probably stay on the group plan. If the group plan is more expensive than being on Medicare part B and a supplement or Medicare Advantage plan, then you would probably opt to take part B and go on Medicare. No matter what your circumstances most people would go on part A because if you've worked and have enough credits it would be premium free. Other issues to consider would be choice of doctors and benefits. For details on your specific situation, don't hesitate to reach me directly at 239-848-8893.

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski on April 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski Medicare Insurance Agent

Joshua Ruiz · Answer

If a senior is turning 65 and still working, they may be able to delay Medicare — but it depends on their situation: 
 Are they covered by employer insurance?

Yes, and the employer has 20+ employees:
They can delay Part B (and Part D) without penalty. Part A is usually free, so many enroll in Part A only.

Yes, but the employer has fewer than 20 employees:
Medicare becomes primary, and they should enroll in both Part A and B to avoid gaps in coverage and penalties.

No employer coverage or self-employed with marketplace plan:
They should enroll in Medicare to avoid late penalties and coverage gaps.

Ami Fouts · Answer

They can delay taking Medicare, I go over what is financially beneficial for the client, sometimes it is cheaper for the client to enroll in Medicare, but they're not obligated to as through the workplace, this is considered " Creditable Coverage" and will not be penalized through the government for not enrolling.

Answered by Ami Fouts on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in NH & ME

Answered by Ami Fouts Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Helmkamp II · Answer

If you become Medicare Eligible while still working and receive health insurance through your job, you have a choice to stick with either your employers coverage or to enroll in Medicare. When making this decision it comes down to cost, which is more beneficial to you, your employers coverage or Medicare. If you decide to stay with your employers health plan, your employers plan is considered “creditable coverage”. As long as you have had creditable coverage since becoming Medicare eligible, you have a three month Special Enrollment Period when you lose your employers coverage to enroll in Medicare without any penalties.

Answered by Robert Helmkamp II on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Robert Helmkamp II Medicare Insurance Agent

Joanna Gebhart · Answer

If a senior is turning 65 and still working I recommend they accept Part A and delay enrolling in Part B until they retire.  However one must be certain that the existing health and prescription plan is at least as good or better than Medicare coverage.  If the existing insurance does not meet what Medicare calls "credible coverage" then any delay would cause a penalty for both Part B and Part D (Prescription plans)

This is why working with a local agent is important.  I review all options with my clients to determine what works best for each individual's situation.

Joanna Gebhart
J Gebhart Insurance Services
www.jgebhartinsuranceservices.com

Jeffrey Simpson · Answer

A Senior, if still working, can enroll in Part A but need not enroll in Part B if they have creditable insurance on the job.

A senior may continue to work after 65 if they're desiring to reach full retirement age and delay SS and Medicare enrollment

Sergio Valenzuela · Answer

You need to enroll in part A regardless if you still working or not after turning 65, however for part B, if you current employer offer a health insurance that is creditable as good as Medicare then you don’t need to enroll into the letter B and can be delayed without incurring penalties in future.

Answered by Sergio Valenzuela on March 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, FL & MI, OH, SC & TX

Answered by Sergio Valenzuela Medicare Insurance Agent

Mindy Foran · Answer

That question is based on a lot of factors that we would discuss in our initial meeting.  The answer is not the same for everyone.

Alan &quot;AL&quot; Minthorn · Answer

If you are still working, have creditable employer health and prescription insurance, meaning it is as least as good as Medicare (HR should know this), then enroll in Medicare Part A ONLY. It has zero cost, provided you've worked 10 years and paid into Medicare. 

Approx. 3 months before you are ready to retire and selected an end date of employment (end of month is easier), enroll in Medicare Part B (for 1st of month following this end date). After receiving your revised Medicare Card showing Part A & B dates, have a local agent assist in educating and selecting the appropriate plan(s) to begin without a gap in coverage.

Christie Bondos · Answer

If the employer has over 20 full time employees and the coverage is creditable and meaning it meets the standard coverage model of Medicare, and the employee is still employed full time they may delay Part B. Good rule of thumb is to check with their HR to ensure they still have coverage through their Group Plan. If the Employer wants them off the plan it's time to explore other options and take Medicare.. I always tell people to compare benefits and coverages with what you're paying now along with all dr's and prescriptions

Answered by Christie Bondos on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in CT

Answered by Christie Bondos Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Henry · Answer

Medicare Part A only. Also talk to HR to see if it makes more sense to go on Medicare fully from a financial standpoint. You’ll have to get a Medicare Part D for your drugs

Tony Hardwick · Answer

In the event they have employer coverage, they should enroll and compare their Medicare Advantage option with their employer coverage to determine which is more beneficial.

Linda Bolan · Answer

As long as the senior has an employee sponsored health insurance plan they can delay going on Medicare. If a senior is employed but does not have health insurance a penalty is involved for delaying enrollment.

Answered by Linda Bolan on March 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN

Answered by Linda Bolan Medicare Insurance Agent

Jamie Herrick · Answer

A very good question! That is a good question for social security office!
Reach out to them and explain your situation!

Donnie Vermillion · Answer

If you have what medicare considers to be "credible coverage" from your employers group health plan or your spouses group health plan , it may make sense to delay enrollment in Part B to save on the monthly premium.  You must maintain credible coverage from an employer with at least 20 employees. 

Setting up your my social security account is the first step.

Michael Turkaly · Answer

The answer would rely on the senior's place of employment. If the company the senior works for is less than 20 employees on payroll, Medicare would be primary and the senior should enroll in Medicare. However, if the company has over 20 employees, than the senior could delay it.

Answered by Michael Turkaly on April 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in MI

Answered by Michael Turkaly Medicare Insurance Agent

Babs Atwell · Answer

This is a complex question, and one that I would recommend a personalized consultation with a trusted local agent/broker. Every situation is different, and unique. I have had many clients who have opted to delay as well as many who have opted to enroll in Medicare while continuing to work.

Answered by Babs Atwell on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Babs Atwell Medicare Insurance Agent

Shannon Mayfield · Answer

That question also depends on several factors and will not have the same answer for everyone. It is important to know if your employer coverage is considered credible coverage for Medicare. It is also important to know who pays first- Medicare or the group coverage. That is different for different employers. Talk to a broker to discuss your unique situation and find out which options are best for you.

Answered by Shannon Mayfield on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID

Answered by Shannon Mayfield Medicare Insurance Agent

Edward Cavelli · Answer

This is a case by case analysis and is hard to answer without more information. 
Does the senior have coverage through work? If so, what is the coverage like? How much is the coverage costing monthly to keep? 
These are all questions needed answered to determine the best decision.

Tony Merwin · Answer

Ultimately it depends on a few variables which come down to cost, benefits and experience.

How much are you contributing to your employer group plan each month? How good is the coverage? Have you had a good experience.

I tell most clients that if you're spending more than $350-400 per month on your group plan then you should at least investigate what going full Medicare would look like and compare. Costs will vary by state but in most cases I've been able to provide much better coverage for roughly that same cost (including your Part B Premium).

Jackson Cassibry · Answer

Call me to discuss. You should apply for Medicare Part A but possibly hold off on Part B for time being, however again, Medicare is NOT a one size fits all product and really depends on several factors

Answered by Jackson Cassibry on March 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, LA & OK

Answered by Jackson Cassibry Medicare Insurance Agent

If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?

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