I'm still working at 67, and I don't know if I need Part B. Why is something so basic so hard to figure out?

Question

John Stagner · Accepted Answer

Answering the first question first: it’s hard to figure out because the government wrote it! They don’t really understand how to make things simple.…

Here’s the quick rule about employer insurance after age 65: if your employer has 20 or more employees and you are covered by the employer’s insurance and still working, you can delay part B as long as you want with no concern about having a penalty later. The moment that you stop working for that employer or discontinue that insurance, that’s the time that you need to enroll into Medicare part B in order to avoid a penalty.

I always advise my clients to compare the costs and coverage of the employer plan versus Medicare so they can make an informed decision.

Tony Capraro III · Answer

It seems hard but when you know the specifics you can make the right decision for you!
If you work for a company with 20 or more employees you can stay on that work plan until you retire and then get Part B!  Work with someone like me-who works with Medicare Planning every day for clients!  We give great information so folks can make good decisions!

Pamela Camey · Answer

You may be required to get Medicare Part B even when you are working.  There are situations in which you must obtain part B when you turn 65.

1) Your employer has less that 20 employees. Medicare becomes the primary payer, and you may be required to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, Your employer's health plan becomes the secondary coverage.  Employer Health group plans may not be able to provide you the same level of coverage as Medicare.

2) Employers with 20 or more employees, your employer's group health plan is considered primary payer.  This means you can generally delay enrolling in Part B until after you lose that coverage.

3) If you have health insurance coverage through a spouse's employer, you may also delay enrolling in Part B until you lose that coverage.

Coverage based on current employment does not include COBRA, retiree health coverage, VA benefits or individual coverage through the health insurance Marketplace.

Timothy Brown · Answer

Signing up for Medicare Part B is not mandatory or necessary as long as the employee is currently enrolled in their group employer plan which is considered creditable coverage. As a result, you will be exempt you from a late enrollment penalty should you decided to enroll in Medicare Part B past the age of 65, however there's one exception: Signing up for Medicare Part B will be required if the employer has less than 20 employees.

Answered by Timothy Brown on April 13, 2025

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

Answered by Timothy Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

This is why people need to bring an agent into play. A good agent will walk you through you total expenditures of keeping your current employer provided healthcare and options, against what you could attain should you decide to drop their coverage and obtain your choice of Medicare.
Now the smart thing was you signed in for your Part A as a backup to your existing coverage. It’s what you put money into your whole working career, so take it, it costs you zero. 
Now depending on coverage and financial considerations, you simply need to do a total cost comparison. But keep in mind the government dropped the “F” plan after 1/1/2020, and your best option is a “G” now. How long before they drop that and make the “N” plan the best option for you? So you may want to consider that in your planning as well. 
If in FL or PA, I can help you.

Bill Zeky · Answer

As I stated on another questions, many points of confusion are the fault of getting advice from uneducated sources. While family and friends are well intentioned, they're not well trained, annually tested licensed insurance agents. Politely listen to them but then seek out a professional who will fully educate you.

Answered by Bill Zeky on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, AL, CO & 10 other states

Answered by Bill Zeky Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeremy Purse · Answer

If you are still covered under an Employer Group Health Plan, you can delay your Part B until you retire or lose your health insurance. Once you know your insurance through your employer will be ending, apply for Part B and submit CMS Form L564 to prove to Medicare that you had credible coverage from the time you turned 65. This will help avoid a Part B Late Enrollment Penalty.

Answered by Jeremy Purse on May 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AL, AZ & 5 other states

Answered by Jeremy Purse Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer Stark · Answer

You will need a part B plan only if you are not under employer coverage that includes a perscription drug plan. When you decide to retire and get off of their group plan, you can apply for part B. Then get on A Medicare advanatge plan that includes a drug plan. Or you cxan chose a Medicare Supplement plan and get a stand along PDP.

Answered by Jennifer Stark on April 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in WI, CO & FL

Answered by Jennifer Stark Medicare Insurance Agent

Garrett Ball · Answer

You do not need Part B if you are covered by a group/employer plan that is primary to Medicare (if employer has more than 20 employees). You can delay Part B enrollment and add it later, without penalty, through a special enrollment period (https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up/part-b-only).

Answered by Garrett Ball on April 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AR & 38 other states

Answered by Garrett Ball Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

If you're still working at 67, you likely don't need to enroll in Medicare Part B immediately. Medicare Part B is voluntary and you can delay enrollment if you have creditable health insurance coverage through your employment. This is because Medicare Part B is designed to work in coordination with other health plans, and if your employer coverage is strong, you may not need it. 
Here's why it can be confusing:
It's not mandatory at 65:
Many people assume Medicare Part B is mandatory at 65, but that's not the case for those who have employer-sponsored health insurance. 
Late enrollment penalties:
If you delay enrollment beyond certain periods, you may face late enrollment penalties. 
Complexity of employer plans:
Determining whether your employer's health plan is "creditable" (meaning it provides at least the same coverage as Medicare) can be tricky. 
Impact on other insurance:
Your decision to enroll in Part B can affect other insurance you might have, like Medigap or COBRA. 
To clarify your situation:
Check your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is a 7-month period around your 65th birthday when you can enroll in Medicare. 
Talk to your employer: Ask your employer's benefits administrator if your plan is considered creditable and what happens if you sign up for Part B. 
Contact Medicare: The Social Security Administration (.gov) can provide guidance on your specific situation. 
Consider the costs: Part B has a monthly premium, so weigh the cost against the benefits. 
Understand the penalties: Medicare (.gov) can explain the penalties for late enrollment.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

you can delay enrolling in Part B and may not need it until you retire. if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you'll likely need Part B to avoid gaps in coverage.

Marcie Barnes · Answer

As long as you have credible coverage through your job you don't need Part B. You may want to explore your options though. Employer coverage is not always the best option if you have high premiums and Deductibles. Feel free to reach out to me to further discuss your options 9403000312 Marcie Barnes

Answered by Marcie Barnes on April 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Marcie Barnes Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Salmon · Answer

If you are still working for an employer with at least 20 employees and have employer group health insurance, you can postpone part B. I recommend that you get part a while still employed and then enroll in part B when you retire. It is important to speak with a Medicare specialist to determine if your employer group coverage is considered creditable.

Answered by Mary Salmon on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX & OK

Answered by Mary Salmon Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

You need to sign up for Part B when you retire. You will get a permanent fine if you don't.  Then you will need a Medicare Supplement.

Daniel Young · Answer

You do not need part B until you lose your employer's health plan.  No need to incur the part B premium until necessary.

Lorrie Scully · Answer

If you are still receiving Group Health Insurance, you don't need part B. However, Medicare insurance is likely less expensive than Group insurance, and the health insurance benefits, and coverage would be much better.

Answered by Lorrie Scully on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in IA, CO, IL, NE & SD

Answered by Lorrie Scully Medicare Insurance Agent

I'm still working at 67, and I don't know if I need Part B. Why is something so basic so hard to figure out?

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I'm still working at 67, and I don't know if I need Part B. Why is something so basic so hard to figure out?

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