I live in Tennessee, turn 65 in August, and signed up for Medicare Part A only. I have coverage through my wife’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, which she’ll keep for about seven more years. Will I owe a penalty now or later if I wait until she retires to get Part B?

Question

Nick Mangini · Accepted Answer

You will not owe a penalty as long as you have creditable coverage that Medicare allows. Sometimes people do not know if there coverage is considered creditable and even the HR depts do not truly know if it's actually creditable coverage. Plus getting a Medicare Supplement at 65 allows you to get the lowest rate since it's based on age, gender and zipcode. I always suggest getting Medicare + Supplement Plan instead of keeping employer group coverage since the coverage is better on Medicare + Supplement and it's more cost effective long term.

Answered by Nick Mangini on August 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 32 other states

Answered by Nick Mangini Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Alexander · Answer

No as long as you maintain
Creditable coverage you will not have a penalty.
When she does retire you will need two forms to apply for part B form 40-b and L564. I would  do this 3 months before she retires.
You can go to ssa.gov and print out the forms and have them ready

Mark Bilgere · Answer

You will not have a Part B penalty as long as your wife's employer has more than 20 employees.  Remember, once you enroll in any part of Medicare (Part A) you can no longer contribute to an HSA plan.

Pamela Masters · Answer

You will not as long as you have credible coverage. Ask the HR department to see if it is credible.

Lynn C Shurtleff · Answer

No, you will not be penalized as long as you are on insurance through an employer or a spouse's employer. It is advisable though to weigh the differences in her plan and going on Medicare, it could be a better option to fully switch to Medicare. Also check with her employer to be sure they don't require you to go on Medicare when first eligible. If she works for the state or local school system or government, they usually do require you to switch over to Medicare when first eligible. Note too that you can get Part D with just A and to avoid a penalty for not picking up a Part D plan when first eligible for Part A, you will need to be sure her plan is considered credible coverage according to Medicare's guidelines. It probably is, but you will want to be sure. This is a separate penalty from delaying Part B due to employer coverage.

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff on August 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff Medicare Insurance Agent

Jonathan Potter · Answer

As long as you have credible coverage with her then you will not pay a penalty. Credible coverage means you have medical and prescription coverage included in her package for you.

Once she is ready to retire, then about three months before I would contact Social Security and get your paperwork going for your part B.

If for some reason the cost for keeping you on the plan goes up to more than $200 a month. I would consider going on part B. If her plan also has a high deductible. I would also consider going on Medicare because there are many plans that would suit you for little to no cost out of your pocket.

Ronnie Robinson Jr · Answer

You will not incur a penalty as long as your wife’s coverage is deemed as credible coverage by Medicare. If it is ACA compliant you should be ok.

Andrew Firmin · Answer

So you've just turned 65 and you have access to employer group insurance. Do you have to enroll in Medicare? Will you have a late enrollment penalty? This is a great question, and I think it's one of the biggest misconceptions folks have when they turn 65 and enter the Medicare age. As long as you have employer coverage with 20 or more employees, you do not need to enroll in Medicare Parts A or B. However, it is beneficial to review both from a cost-benefit analysis. Your group employer plan compared to what your options are under Medicare.

For many people, Medicare not only provides more affordable coverage but also provides more comprehensive coverage in terms of lower copays, lower deductibles, etc. So it's worth taking a look and seeing what is the best option for you and for your situation. Again, if your employer has more than 20 employees, you do not need to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, and you will not be subject to the late enrollment penalty.

You will need to have your employer sign a form later on in life. That form does one of two things. That form will create a special enrollment period for you, and it will also tell the federal government that you had employer credible coverage. Hope you be well. Until next time, have a great day!

Donnie Vermillion · Answer

As long you maintain credible coverage through your wife's employer sponsored group health plan. She works for a large employer of 20 employees or more. You will not owe a part B penalty when she retires and you sign up for Part B.

Answered by Donnie Vermillion on April 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Donnie Vermillion Medicare Insurance Agent

Michelle Sparks · Answer

As long as your wife's employer group health plan (EGHP) is "creditable", which means provides equivalent to Medicare coverage and her employer has more than 20 employees- you will not have a penalty. You should check with her HR department to confirm that their Medical and Prescription Drug coverage are "creditable". You need to have continuous coverage under her plan from the time you are age 65 until she retires. Once she retires or the EGHP ends (whichever is earlier), you have 8 months to enroll in Part B without a penalty. You will need to provide proof of your EGHP coverage at the time you apply for Part B. There is a form 564 on the CMS website (Medicare.gov) that you can access and submit. 

I also recommend that you work with a local broker. They should help you with the paperwork and enrollment in Part B. This will also ensure you don't have gaps in coverage or penalties.

Mike Odle · Answer

You will not be penalized for enrolling in Part B late as long as you have maintained major medical coverage through an employer. With that said, be sure you explore all of your coverage options before deciding that your wife's employer coverage is still the best option. Part B coverage will cost you approximately $205 in 2026. Depending on your area, you may be able to enroll in a $0 premium advantage plan with lower copays and lower max-out-of-pocket than what is currently being offered by your wife's employer. Find out what it's costing you to be on your wife's insurance plan, what your medical deductible is and, most importantly, what your maximum out-of-pocket is . It very well could be $1,000's more.

Answered by Mike Odle on November 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN & IL

Answered by Mike Odle Medicare Insurance Agent

Randall Taylor · Answer

You will not accrue the Part B penalty if Medicare recognizes the BCBS plan as 'CREDITABLE'. That means Medicare recognizes your wife's plan to be as good or better than any Medicare plan such as Medicare Supplement Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. Check with your wife's employer's Human Resources Department to make sure the insurance qualifies.

Answered by Randall Taylor on August 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, MI & WI

Answered by Randall Taylor Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Wehner · Answer

No, you will not owe a penalty. Because you have creditable employer coverage, you can delay your enrollment in Part B until the time that you are going to go off of the employer group plan.

Phillip Davis · Answer

You will not face a penalty for deffering part B as long as the coverage is considered creditable. Creditable coverage is the same or better coverage as Medicare. You must have prescription coverage and medical coverage through the employer without gaps the entire time to avoid penalties.

Answered by Phillip Davis on April 8, 2026

Broker Licensed in WV, AZ, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Phillip Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

Janix Barbosa-LLanos · Answer

Answer from Janix Barbosa-Llanos, MBA, PMP, CEP, RSSA, FSN
(Licensed Insurance Agent — For Educational Purposes Only)

If you’re still working at age 67 and have creditable employer health insurance, you usually don’t need to sign up for Medicare Part B yet. When you eventually retire or lose that employer coverage, you’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in Part B without penalty.
This SEP lasts 8 months after your employment or group coverage ends, whichever comes first.

It’s important to confirm with your employer’s HR department or insurance company that your current plan is considered “creditable coverage” for Medicare. (Most large-employer plans are, but it’s always best to double-check.)
If you’d like, I can review your existing coverage with you and help you understand when and how to sign up for Part B when the time is right.

Medicare / CMS Disclosure
For educational purposes only. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. Plan availability and benefits vary by ZIP code and individual eligibility.

Sandra Bailey · Answer

No. You will not owe a penalty as long as she’s working for a company that offers credible health insurance. Meaning her employer must employ a minimum of 20 employees. When she retires, you’ll need to show that you had coverage through her employer. HR will help with a letter. All will be fine. No penalty. Glad you got Part A.

Answered by Sandra Bailey on August 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AL, AR & 13 other states

Answered by Sandra Bailey Medicare Insurance Agent

Renee Brown · Answer

No, you will not be penalized because you have "Creditable Coverage" once your wife decides when she is going to retire, you will need to

get the forms from your job showing that you have had coverage and they will fill these out for you. You will then apply for your part B, (at least

30 days prior to the ending of your wife's coverage). You can go to Medicare.gov...search for "sign up for part b only" and do the application 

right there. You will also be asked to upload your documents showing you have had coverage and once that is submitted, you will just wait

for Medicare to send you a new card showing both Part A and Part B. There will be no penalties incurred because you submitted the forms

showing you had Group Coverage.

Samantha Jellison · Answer

That will depend mostly on your wife’s coverage through work. If it is considered credible coverage (the plan is considered as good as or better than Medicare and there are more than 20 employees) then delaying Part B should not give you a penalty at all. The best way to determine this is by contacting your wife’s employer benefits coordinator and asking directly if it is considered credible coverage. If it is, ask for a letter stating so and keep that for your records. 
Now if it is not credible, my suggestion would be to not delay Part B because that penalty could be quite significant after 7 years. And you will carry that penalty for as long as you have Medicare.

John Hose · Answer

Good question.

You should have your wife check with the HR department and ask if you, as a dependent, can continue the coverage without purchasing Part B of Medicare. If so, you can avoid starting Part B and any penalty until she retires, at which time you would have a 63-day period to stare Part B.

I recommend that when it gets close to when her group benefits will expire, i.e. her retirement date is set, go to SSA.gov and set up a "My Account" where you can apply for the Part B coverage and select a date that begins when her group coverage ends.

For more information, you can contact me.

Hope this helps.

John M. Hose

Jim Tretola · Answer

You should not owe a Penalty; however, you must make sure your Wife's work Plan is considered Creditable Coverage by Medicare.

Frank Carta · Answer

Texting wears me out, but you have another option and I am better at oral communications.
I am not allowed to ask you to call me but you have that option to initiate yourself if you wish to do so.

Juliette Chihade · Answer

If you are under your wies health insurance plan, you should not owe a penalty in your situation, as long as you meet the requirements for creditable coverage.

Cleo Martin · Answer

No no penalty because you have creditable coverage. When she retires that will give both of you an initial enrollment period.

Pauline Weiland · Answer

Social Security has a form L-564 the employers HR fills out that gives proof of credible coverage. That form will provide the information of coverage needed and no penalty will occur.

Françoise Mueller · Answer

No, you will not owe a Part B penalty as long as you’re covered under your wife’s active employer group plan. When she retires and that coverage ends, you’ll get a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B with no late‑enrollment penalty at all. As long as you enroll during that Special Enrollment Period, you’re fully protected from penalties.

Answered by Françoise Mueller on June 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in UT, AL, AR & 35 other states

Answered by Françoise Mueller Medicare Insurance Agent

April Cintron · Answer

Yes you will.  There will be a penalty for signing up for Part B later.  It’s always good to get the part B when it is first offered to prevent penalties down the road.

Nicole Hardy · Answer

No, as long as you have credible coverage, there's no penalty. If you lose coverage, you have 60 days to sign up for Part B.

Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on October 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in MD

Answered by Suzanne Lamperti Medicare Insurance Agent

Javier Salguero · Answer

You will not owe a Part B penalty if your wife is actively working and her employer has 20 or more employees. You can use a "Special Enrollment Period" (SEP) to sign up for Part B without penalties within 8 months of her retirement or losing coverage.

Answered by Javier Salguero on March 16, 2026

Broker Licensed in CA & NV

Answered by Javier Salguero Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeffrey Adams · Answer

No, as long as your wife is still working and the coverage is considered creditable by Medicare, you will not have a penalty when you enroll in Part B

Andrew Kramer · Answer

You will not incur a late enrollment penalty if the following 2 conditions are met. #1 At your wife's employment, 20 or more employees are on the group health plan. Not just 20 employees. But 20 on the group plan! #2 The part of that plan that covers Rx's, meets the minimum requirements of Medicare drug plans. Be careful with that because Medicare Rx plans have a $2,000 cap.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on September 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

No, as long as you have credible coverage, there's no penalty. If you lose coverage, you have 60 days to sign up for Part B.

Jennifer Kalbach · Answer

Generally speaking, if your wife's Group Plan is for 19 or more employees then you will not have a penalty to wait as long as that remains in place. Once she retires or leaves the company (group plan coverage of 19 or more) then you will have 63 days to join another plan or you will have penalties.

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach on December 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Kelly · Answer

So long as you maintain "credible insurance" (in this case through your wife) it's not necessary to sign up for Part B or Part D (prescription drug) until you are going to lose that "credible insurance." My recommendation would be to reach out to a knowledgeable agent about 6 months before your wife is going to retire and you'll lose that insurance and review your options at that time.

Answered by Andrew Kelly on January 26, 2026

Agent Licensed in WA & OR

Answered by Andrew Kelly Medicare Insurance Agent

Mel Stevens · Answer

As long as your wife has creditable coverage through her employer than you can remain on her plan and not be subject to a Part B Penalty. However, check the cost. In my opinion if her cost to cover your insurance is more than $200 a month then you should consider weighing the benefit of coverage through Medicare.

Answered by Mel Stevens on December 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent

Ken Banks · Answer

You will not have to pay a penalty if you are covered by your wife's employer's group health plan, provided it has 20 or more employees. You can delay Part B enrollment until your wife retires without a penalty, and will have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up once her coverage ends. 
What you can do now
Keep Part A only for now: Since you are eligible for premium-free Part A and have other coverage, you can keep it and delay Part B to avoid paying premiums on both.
Notify Social Security: Before your 65th birthday in August, contact the Social Security Administration to let them know you are delaying Part B because you have other creditable coverage through your wife's employer.
Verify employer size: For this to be a "no-penalty" delay, your wife's employer must have 20 or more employees. If it has fewer than 20 employees, you may face a late enrollment penalty. 
What to do when your wife retires
Enroll during the Special Enrollment Period (SEP): When your wife retires, her employer coverage will end, and you will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Part B. 
Understand the SEP timeframe: The SEP begins when the employer coverage ends or she stops working, whichever comes first, and lasts for 8 months. 
Avoid penalties: As long as you enroll within this 8-month SEP, you will avoid the Part B late enrollment penalty. The penalty is typically 10% of the monthly premium for each full 12-month period you could have enrolled but didn't.

Robert Nunn · Answer

as long as you have creditable coverage you will not be penalized . Make sure when retiring you get appropriate documentation from HR proving you and your wife had credible coverage till she left .

Peggy Elliott · Answer

No you will not have a penalty when you go to turn on your Part B. The Special Enrollment Period you’ll be eligible for enables you to contact social security at least 63 days after you’ve left her insurance plan to get enrolled in Part B. The only cost will be the payment for Part B which can be paid through your social security payment if you’ve turned it on. If you’ve not turned it on yet, you will be able to pay through your checking account.

Answered by Peggy Elliott on August 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH

Answered by Peggy Elliott Medicare Insurance Agent

Albert Smith · Answer

To answer quickly, No!! As long as your wife has creditable coverage provided by her employer, you would be covered. Your Initial enrollment period would be delayed until she loses her coverage.

Marta Iris González · Answer

You’re fine for now — no penalty.
 Enroll in Part B when your wife retires or her active employer coverage ends.

Diana Muhammad · Answer

Great question! As long as you Re enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan, such as an employers' benefits plan, or if you are entitled to a Special Enrollment Period you should not have to pay any penalties.

Answered by Diana Muhammad on November 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL, CA, FL & 8 other states

Answered by Diana Muhammad Medicare Insurance Agent

Krystal Hampton · Answer

I live in Tennessee, turned 65 in August, and signed up for Medicare Part A only. I have coverage through my wife's Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, which she'll keep for about seven more years. Will I owe a penalty now or later if I wait until she retires to get Part B? As long as you have credible coverage for Part B, you're fine. You won't owe a penalty, but when you do apply for Part B, you will have to have a separate form that you'll need to fill out saying that you did have credible coverage at the time that you waited to get Part B. Only check Medicare.gov, which is www.medicare.gov, for that information and those forms that you'll need to fill out as well. So be on the lookout for that, and I hope this helps.

Kevin Johnson · Answer

You will not owe a penalty for Medicare Part B if you wait to enroll until your wife retires, provided her employer has 20 or more employees and your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan is considered "creditable coverage" through that current job. You will need to enroll in Part B during the 8-month Special Enrollment Period that starts when your wife stops working or she loses her employer coverage, whichever happens first

Answered by Kevin Johnson on November 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, NM, OH & SC

Answered by Kevin Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent

Ana V. Magalhaes · Answer

Hi! My understanding is that you have Part A and you are delaying/deferring enrollment in Part B, due to coverage thru your wife's employer's coverage. 

1 - Make sure the coverage you have thru your wife's insurance is creditable, meaning it meets Medicare standards - do you have Notice of Creditable Coverage from the current insurer? Human Resources at your wife's work can help you. 

2 - If your coverage is creditable you do not have to worry with penalties for Part B or Part D (prescription coverage).

3 - Once the coverage ends, you have 8 months to enroll in Part B without penalty.

4 -  Plan to enroll in Part B and find a plan before the month the coverage ends in order to avoid lapse in coverage. 

5 - Notice that you can enroll in Part D with Part A and/or Part B - you do not need both to enroll in Part D.

If you have more questions, let me know. Be well and stay in the know.

Jessie Rhodes · Answer

The short answer to your question is No. So as long as you have creditable coverage through your spouse job that includes prescriptions you will not be penalized. I hope that this give you some clarity.

Answered by Jessie Rhodes on February 9, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 24 other states

Answered by Jessie Rhodes Medicare Insurance Agent

Akia Alexis · Answer

You need to contact your local Social Security office and delay your Part B because you have creditable coverage.

Ken Correa · Answer

If your wife has coverage through her Employer's group plan then you should not have any penalty when  you sign up for Part B. That is as long as there are no changes to the current rules.  Should you wait until she is no longer on her group plan and you are both looking to sign up for Part B, there is no penalty as long as you sign up within 63 days of losing the group coverage. 

Also, you should take the time to see what you have available to you if you opt to sign up for Part B now. You might get equal or better coverage at a lower cost depending how much of her current cost share for her premiums are with her Employer's plan and what the deductibles and Maximum Out Of Pocket costs are on that plan.

Glenda Martin · Answer

You likely won't owe a penalty for delaying Medicare Part B enrollment as long as you're covered through your wife's employer-sponsored plan. This qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), allowing you to sign up for Part B without penalty when you drop your current coverage.

Key Points About Special Enrollment Periods:

•  Eligibility: You're eligible for an SEP due to your wife's employer-sponsored coverage, which has more than 20 employees.
•  Enrollment Window: You have an 8-month window to enroll in Part B after your coverage ends or employment ceases.
•  Penalty Exemption: During this SEP, you won't face late enrollment penalties for Part B  .

What to Do Next:

•  Confirm Coverage Details: Verify your wife's plan details and ensure it's considered creditable coverage.
•  Plan Ahead: Mark your calendar to enroll in Part B during your SEP to avoid gaps in coverage.
•  Consult a Professional: Consider consulting a licensed insurance agent or Medicare expert to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Keep in mind that while you won't face a penalty for Part B, you'll want to carefully plan your transition to Medicare to ensure seamless coverage.

Elenys Peraza · Answer

No Penalty If These Conditions Are Met
- Your wife’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan is through active employment (not COBRA or retiree coverage).
- Her employer has 20 or more employees, which means the plan is considered creditable coverage under Medicare rules.
- You enroll in Medicare Part B during your Special Enrollment Period (SEP)—which lasts 8 months after her employment or coverage ends.

Watch Out For These Exceptions
- If her coverage is COBRA, retiree insurance, or from a small employer (fewer than 20 employees), Medicare may consider that non-creditable. In that case, you’d need to enroll in Part B at 65 to avoid penalties and coverage gaps.
- If you miss the SEP window after her coverage ends, you could face a 10% penalty for each 12-month period you delay Part B without creditable coverage.

Michael Ross · Answer

No, you will not have a penalty.. when you wife retires or those 7 years are "up" then you need to get your Part B. You will need proof of credible coverage at that time. Same would apply for your wife. You both may want to do some cost justification. Some Medicare plans may be a good fit for you. I would look into options that are available to you.

Answered by Michael Ross on May 25, 2026

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Michael Ross Medicare Insurance Agent

Manuel Sundiman · Answer

Hello, I want to be clear that you (husband) already turned 65 in August, you would have to pay the penalty yearly if you don't enroll in Part B. You can delay the enrollment as long as your wife is employed, but I imagine you'll have to pay extra to be on your wife's employer plan. 

Rather than spending that money to get spousal coverage, you'd be much better off getting your own for only $194 starting 01/2026, which would allow you to have Part B (doctors), C (dental+benefits), and D prescription meds. I am licensed in TN, so you can contact me when you're ready to talk

Christine Vassar · Answer

No, you will not owe a penalty if you wait to get part B as long as it is creditable coverage through your wife's employer.

Natasha Sheegog · Answer

No, you will not owe a Medicare Part B penalty as long as your wife’s Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage counts as creditable employer coverage and you enroll in Part B after she retires.