Medicare Questions & Answers: Turning 65

Turning 65 Q&A

Showing 21 questions

Answered by Bret Swope Medicare Insurance Agent

Bret Swope

Alta Health Insurance • American Fork, UT

I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?

First, do you actually need to activate your Medicare at age 65? If you are continuing to work and receive full benefits from your employer, then you don't need to activate Part B of Medicare (which usually has a monthly premium) until you retire or go part-time and lose your company insurance benefits. You won't be penalized for waiting in this situation.

Otherwise, if you are needing Medicare insurance benefits when you turn 65 there are a couple of things to do: Start 3 months in advance of the month you're going to need benefits to ensure that you're going to have both Part A and Part B of Medicare in place. It usually takes Social Security (SS) about 6 weeks to get your Medicare card set up and to you in time to enroll in some kind of supplementary plan.

If you are already receiving your SS benefits, then SS will automatically send you your red, white and blue Medicare card a couple of months before you turn 65. If you don't receive that card from them by 2 months in advance of the month of turning 65 call SS to get your card. You'll need your Medicare card that shows your Medicare #, your Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical) effective dates in order to enroll in some kind of supplementary insurance plan.

Remember, your Medicare card that shows Part A and Part B does not cover the required Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). You'll need to get that coverage set up with an independent agent (like me) so that it goes into effect the same time as your Part A and Part B coverage.

You'll be able to choose from a Medicare Supplement (also referred to as a "Medigap" plan) and a Part D prescription drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C of Medicare) to help cover your medical costs that are not covered by Original Medicare (Part A & B).

Lots of choices. Lots to do.
Answered by Charles Fletcher Medicare Insurance Agent

Charles Fletcher

The Fletcher Agency • Spokane, WA

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

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.
Answered by Julia Alves Medicare Insurance Agent

Julia Alves

Licensed Broker • Orlando, FL

Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?

If you have creditable health coverage through your (or your spouse’s) active employer, meaning it’s as good as or better than Medicare, you can delay enrolling without facing any penalties.

But if you don’t have that type of coverage and skip enrolling when you first become eligible, you could end up paying late enrollment penalties that last a lifetime:

Part A: Most people get this premium-free, so there’s usually no need to worry, but if you do have to pay for Part A and you delay, there’s a 10% penalty that lasts twice as long as the time you waited to sign up.

Part B: 10% extra added to your monthly premium for every 12 months you delay.

Part D (prescription drug plan): 1% added for each month you go without creditable drug coverage.

So, the short version... if you’re turning 65 soon, make sure you know whether your current insurance counts as creditable coverage before you delay. It can save you a lot of money later!
Answered by Nancy Courser Medicare Insurance Agent

Nancy Courser

Nancy Courser Health Insurance Made Simple • Canadian Lakes, MI

I am on disability insurance Medicare now I will be 65 in October do I have to to sign up for Medicare again?

No, you do not need to re-enroll again in Medicare. You will retain the same Part A and Part B and Medicare ID #. You are granted a special enrollment (assuming you have Part A & B today) to enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan or join a Medigap & Part D prescription drug plan. New plans - if chosen will be effective 10/1/2025. If you decide to stay with the same supplemental plans, they will automatically continue - no action needed on your part.
Answered by Casey Ahlbum Medicare Insurance Agent

Casey Ahlbum

The Ahlbum Insurance Group • Margate, FL

I'm turning 65 soon, when can I enroll in Medicare?

When it comes to enrolling in Medicare, there are really two paths you can take.

You can enroll right when you turn 65, or you can enroll later, if you’re still working and covered under a qualifying employer plan, typically one that has 20 or more employees.

If you’re enrolling at 65, you’ll use what’s called your Initial Enrollment Period. That’s a seven-month window that starts three months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month, and continues for three months after. That window matters, because it’s how you avoid late enrollment penalties, especially for Part B. Collecting Social Security already? Then you'll be enrolled automatically.

If you’re still working and covered under a larger employer plan, you may not need to enroll right away. You can delay Part B without penalty. Then, when that coverage ends, you’d use a Special Enrollment Period to get enrolled. In this case, it's a good idea to enroll about 3 months prior to your anticipated retirement or Medicare start date.

The key there is simple, you just need to be able to show that you’ve had continuous, credible coverage the whole time. You'll have your HR or Benefits department help you fill out a Proof of Creditable Coverage form and submit that with your application for Part B.

This is one of those areas where the timing really matters, and getting it right upfront can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Answered by Marc Gilman Medicare Insurance Agent

Marc Gilman

The Gilman Agency • Bedford, NH

I'm turning 65 in three months but still working with employer coverage. Do I need to sign up for Medicare right now or can I wait?

The real answer depends on one specific detail: how many employees your company has.

If it's 20 or more, your employer coverage is considered primary, and you can generally delay Medicare Part B without any penalty — as long as you sign up within eight months after you eventually leave that job or the coverage ends, using what's called a Special Enrollment Period.

If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare typically becomes primary at 65 whether you're still working or not, which usually means you do need to enroll on time to avoid a gap in coverage.

One thing almost everyone should still do, regardless of employer size: sign up for Part A, since it's usually premium-free and can run alongside your employer coverage. The one exception is if you're contributing to a Health Savings Account — enrolling in any part of Medicare stops those contributions, so that's worth planning around.

Before you decide anything, check with your HR or benefits department to confirm your employer's size and whether your coverage is considered "creditable" — that one conversation determines whether waiting is actually safe for your situation, or whether it's setting you up for a penalty later.

At the same time, meet with a trusted independent Medicare agent like myself who will give you guidance about the best steps forward.
Answered by Cheryl Lyons Medicare Insurance Agent

Cheryl Lyons

Healthcare Solutions Team • Charlestown, IN

I'm turning 65 next month and the amount of Medicare mail I'm getting is overwhelming. How do I sort through all this?

Totally normal—and you’re not alone. Turning 65 triggers a marketing avalanche, and most people feel buried under it. Let’s make it manageable instead of maddening.

First: know why you’re getting all that mail

When you turn 65, your name goes on a public Medicare eligibility list. Insurance companies and agents are allowed to market to you, which is why it suddenly feels nonstop.

How to sort through it without losing your mind

1. Separate education from advertising

Official Medicare info

“Medicare & You” handbook

Mail from Social Security or CMS

👉 These are worth keeping.

Everything else = ads

“You may be missing benefits”

“Extra money back”

“No cost plan”

👉 These are marketing pieces, not personalized offers.

2. Don’t call the 800 numbers on random postcards

Those usually go to:

Large call centers

Agents who can only sell one company’s plan

They don’t know your doctors, meds, or situation—and they’re paid to push their plan.

3. Focus on what actually matters

Ignore the flashy promises and ask these questions instead:

Do my doctors accept this plan?

Are my prescriptions covered and affordable?

What are the max out-of-pocket costs?

Can I see specialists easily?

Do I want Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare + supplement?

If a mailer doesn’t clearly help answer those questions, it’s not important.

4. Pick one trusted source (not 20)

Instead of reacting to every piece of mail:

Choose one knowledgeable, independent Medicare agent

Or use Medicare.gov as your baseline

Once you have a plan, the rest of the mail becomes noise.

5. You can reduce the junk

Opt out at OptOutPrescreen.com (cuts down insurance/credit offers)

Write “Refused” and return mail you don’t want

Register your number on the Do Not Call Registry

One last reassuring truth

There is no prize for choosing fast and no penalty for ignoring the mail.

You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period—you don’t need to decide based on fear or pressure.
Answered by James Hale Medicare Insurance Agent

James Hale

Bullseye Benefits • Columbus, GA

I've been on disability for years and am about to turn 65. Do I automatically get Medicare because I'm on Social Security, or do I need to do something?

People who have drawn Social Security Disability (SSDI) for at least 2 years are eligible for Medicare even BEFORE turning 65. Enrollment generally occurs in the 25th month of receiving SSDI, usually providing Parts A and B automatically. To be eligible for Part A at no additional cost you must have worked full time in the USA for at least 10 years. If you have NOT drawn SSDI for at least 2 years then you can enroll in Medicare anytime in the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, and up to 3 months after. If you don't enroll in a timely manner then there could be lifetime penalties assessed to your premiums. If you're still confused that's what I'm for, I'd be happy to guide you through the process.

Exceptions: The 24-month waiting period is waived for those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Answered by David Wynne Medicare Insurance Agent

David Wynne

Live Well Benefit Advisors • Summerville, SC

I'm planning to delay Social Security until age 70, but I'm turning 65 soon. How does this affect my Medicare enrollment?

Since you’re planning to delay Social Security until age 70 but are turning 65 soon, it’s important to understand that you will not be automatically enrolled in Medicare. Automatic enrollment only happens if you're already receiving Social Security benefits before age 65. Because you're delaying those benefits, you'll need to actively sign up for Medicare yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month window that starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and continues for three months after.

At age 65, most people choose to enroll in Medicare Part A, which covers hospital insurance and is usually premium-free if you or your spouse worked at least 10 years. Enrolling in Part A generally makes sense even if you're delaying Social Security. However, Part B—which covers outpatient medical services—has a monthly premium, and whether you should enroll depends on your current health insurance situation. If you have health insurance through your or your spouse’s active employment, and the employer has 20 or more employees, you may be able to delay enrolling in Part B without penalty. But if your coverage is from a smaller employer or you don’t have creditable coverage, it’s important to enroll in Part B during your IEP to avoid late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage.

Delaying enrollment in Medicare without proper coverage can result in permanent penalties and delayed access to care, so it's critical not to wait until age 70 to make these decisions. If you'd like, I can help you evaluate your current coverage and walk you through the steps for enrolling at the right time.
Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Barnes, CMIP®

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® • Mount Wolf, PA

Do I have to apply for Medicare if I am still working past 65?

Probably yes, but there are a lot of details that go into this decision that you need to consider.

If you work for a small employer with less than 20 employees, Medicare will become your Primary coverage once you’re eligible and your plan at work will only pay what Medicare does not cover - usually deductibles and the 20% coinsurance. Some employer plans will only pay the secondary portion even if you never signed-up for Medicare, and that would potentially leave you responsible for 80% of the bill on your own if you have not signed-up for Medicare Parts A & B.

If you have an HSA that you or your employer puts money into, you must stop adding money to that account once you’re eligible and have Medicare - even if you only have Medicare Part A. For this reason, you might choose to delay enrollment into Medicare.

If you are paying a part of the premium for your health plan at work or if you have a high deductible, you may want to take Medicare instead of your coverage at work. It may cost less and/or cover more.

There are so many different scenarios that require careful consideration when you work past age 65 and become eligible for Medicare. You should speak with an expert before making decisions to be sure you’re doing everything correctly for the outcomes you want and to avoid penalties later.
Answered by Ken Banks Medicare Insurance Agent

Ken Banks

The Alford-Banks Group • Atlanta, GA

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?

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.
Answered by Richard Pagano Medicare Insurance Agent

Richard Pagano

State Farm • Antioch, CA

Why do so many seniors wait until the last minute to enroll in Medicare, and how can agents help prevent bad decisions?

Switching to Medicare can feel like a big change, and people often wait because:

1. They think they’re already covered: Still working and assume employer insurance means “I don’t need Medicare yet,” plus confusion about whether employer coverage is creditable for Part B/Part D.

2. It’s confusing/intimidating: A/B/D, Medigap vs Advantage, networks, formularies, and penalties—too many moving parts.

3. They don’t know the deadlines/penalties: Many miss the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and learn about penalties afterward.

4. Life gets in the way: Retirement, moving, health issues, caregiving, loss of a spouse—Medicare gets pushed down the list.

5. Bad or oversimplified advice: “Just take the free plan,” “You can enroll anytime,” or “You don’t need Part B if you’re healthy.”

6. They assume it’s quick: Social Security processing, plan selection, provider checks, and Rx research all take time.

How my office can help:

1. Start early (3–6 months before turning 65/retiring) so you’re not rushed.

2. Confirm what you actually need: doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, budget.

3. If you’re still working, verify employer coverage in writing to avoid penalties/gaps.

4. Check doctors and hospitals (especially for Medicare Advantage networks).

5. Compare prescription costs (formulary, tiers, restrictions, preferred pharmacies).

6. Explain tradeoffs in plain English: premium vs pay-as-you-go, networks/prior auth, worst-case yearly cost.

7. Help you enroll correctly and on time with a simple checklist.

8. Review annually so coverage stays a good fit as plans and medications change.
Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas

Manas Associates • Brooklyn, NY

I'm a green card holder who's been in the US for 4 years and turning 65 soon. Am I eligible for Medicare?

No, as a green card holder with only 4 years in the US, you are not yet eligible for Medicare. To qualify for Medicare, you need to have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and lived in the US continuously for 5 years.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Lawful Permanent Resident: You need to hold a green card, which grants you permanent residency in the US.

Continuous US Residence: You must have lived in the US for 5 years continuously, meaning you've maintained your primary residence in the US during that time.

Age: You need to be 65 years old or older.

In your case, you're 4 years into your US residency and haven't met the 5-year requirement. You'll need to wait until you've been a green card holder and lived in the US for 5 continuous years to be eligible for Medicare.

What happens when you're eligible:

You'll need to apply for Medicare, which can be done through the Social Security Administration or online.

You may need to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) if you haven't worked in the US for the required 40 quarters (10 years).

If you do have the required work history, you can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).

You can also enroll in Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) if you have Part A and/or Part B.
Answered by Jacqueline Proffit Medicare Insurance Agent

Jacqueline Proffit

Empowering Financial Freedom • Jacksonville, FL

I am a member of a federally recognized tribe here in Arizona. I receive all my medical needs through the Indian Health Service at no cost. Do I still have to have Medicare?

This is a common question, and the short answer is that while you are not required to have Medicare, enrolling in it is highly recommended and offers significant benefits that support both your health and the Indian Health Service (IHS) system.

Here is a breakdown of why Medicare is beneficial when you already receive free care through the IHS:

1. Expanded Access to Care

IHS is not insurance: The IHS is a healthcare provider system funded by Congress, not an insurance program like Medicare. This means its services may be limited by budget.

Services outside of IHS: Medicare, especially Part B, gives you access to medical care outside of IHS facilities, such as:

Seeing specialists (since IHS may be limited to primary care).

Non-IHS hospitals or clinics if you are traveling or do not live near an IHS facility.

Services your local IHS facility may not be able to provide.

2. Financial Benefit to the IHS

When you have Medicare and receive a covered service at your IHS or Tribal clinic, the facility can bill Medicare for that service.

This reimbursement saves money for the IHS, increasing the overall resources available to provide more services for the entire community. Since federal funding covers only an estimated 60% of care needed, Medicare payments are a vital revenue source for the IHS.

3. Avoiding Penalties (Specifically Part B)

You are not penalized for delaying Part D (prescription drug) coverage if you have drug coverage through IHS.

However, if you do not sign up for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) when you are first eligible and later decide you need it, you could face a late enrollment penalty that is added to your premium for as long as you have Part B. There is typically no Special Enrollment Period exemption for having IHS coverage for Part B.

Part A (Hospital Insurance) is generally premium-free if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You should sign up for premium-free Part A when you are eligible.

Speci
Answered by Glenda Martin Medicare Insurance Agent

Glenda Martin

Licensed Agent • Lexington, SC

I’ll be turning 65 in April. I have full VA coverage and good hospital and doctor coverage through Eisenhower here in the desert. The VA doesn’t provide dental care. Do I still need to enroll in Medicare, and if so, which part makes sense for my situation?

Congratulations on approaching your 65th birthday! With VA coverage and additional hospital and doctor coverage through Eisenhower, you have a solid foundation for your healthcare needs. Since the VA doesn't provide dental care, you'll want to consider how Medicare can complement your existing coverage.

*Do you need to enroll in Medicare?*

While VA coverage is excellent, Medicare can help fill gaps, including potential out-of-pocket costs and additional benefits. Enrolling in Medicare can provide more comprehensive coverage and financial protection.

*Which part of Medicare makes sense for you?*

Consider the following:

- *Medicare Part A*: Covers hospital stays, which might overlap with your existing VA coverage. However, Part A typically has no premium if you've worked and paid Medicare taxes.

- *Medicare Part B*: Covers doctor services, outpatient care, and some preventive services. This might complement your existing coverage.

- *Medicare Part D*: Covers prescription medication. If you have medication costs not covered by the VA, Part D might be beneficial.

- *Medicare Advantage (Part C)*: Combines Part A and Part B coverage, often with additional benefits like dental, vision, or hearing. Some plans might offer dental coverage, which could be valuable given the VA's limitations.

*Key considerations:*

- *VA coverage and Medicare coordination*: Understand how your VA coverage and Medicare will work together. In some cases, Medicare may be the primary payer, while the VA coverage supplements it.

- *Out-of-pocket costs*: Consider potential costs associated with Medicare, such as premiums, deductibles, and copays.

- *Dental coverage*: If dental care is a priority, explore Medicare Advantage plans that offer dental benefits or consider standalone dental insurance.

*Next steps:*

- *schedule a consultation with me
Answered by Michelle Setchell Medicare Insurance Agent

Michelle Setchell

AJ Advisors • Livermore, CA

I am on ssi Disability. I turn 65 in June. I also just got Humana health. So does it be change to SSI?? Or does my SSI -Disabiliy just go on til death.

To answer your question, we'll have to make a couple of assumptions first:

- If you’ve been receiving SSDI for at least 24 months, you’re already enrolled in Medicare Part A and likely Part B. This is automatic for SSDI recipients, regardless of age.

- Your Humana plan is likely a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), which replaces Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and may include Part D (prescription drugs)

If these assumptions are correct, at age 65, your Medicare eligibility continues, but your SSDI benefits will probably convert to Social Security retirement benefits. The monthly payment amount typically stays the same, and your Medicare coverage is unaffected. You don’t need to take action for this conversion; the SSA handles it automatically:

- Since you’re likely already enrolled in Medicare due to SSDI, turning 65 won’t require re-enrollment. Your Medicare Part A and Part B (or your Humana Medicare Advantage plan) continue seamlessly.

- If you’re enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan, it remains active unless you choose to change plans.

That said, turning 65 triggers your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare (3 months before to 3 months after your 65th birthday, April–September 2025). During this period, you can:

- Stay with your current Humana Medicare Advantage plan.

- Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan.

- Return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with or without a Part D plan.

I'd be happy to review the details of your specific situation with you to ensure that you get set up with the best plan(s) for your individual needs!
Answered by Priscilla Ramos Medicare Insurance Agent

Priscilla Ramos

Ellis & Smith Group LLC • Sheffield Lake, OH

What happens to my Medicare coverage when I turn 65 if I'm already on Medicare due to disability?

Your Medicare continues automatically, it doesn’t restart or stop when you turn 65.

What changes (and what doesn’t):

Parts A & B: Stay in place, no gap in coverage

You get a new Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) at 65 → chance to change plans without penalty

You can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D if you want

You also gain guaranteed issue rights for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) in most states

Good to know:

If you already have a plan, it usually continues, but turning 65 is a great time to review and possibly improve your coverage.
Answered by Paul Barrett Medicare Insurance Agent

Paul Barrett

The Modern Medicare Agency • Melville, NY

I'm self-employed and turning 65 — how do I transition to Medicare without employer coverage?

Turning 65 while self-employed is actually one of the cleaner Medicare transitions — no employer HR to coordinate with, no group plan to untangle. Here's what matters most:

You have a 7-month window centered around your birthday to enroll. Miss it, and you could face lifetime penalties on your Part B premium — so timing is everything.

If you've been on a marketplace or individual plan, it simply ends when Medicare begins. Just make sure the dates align so you're not caught with a gap — or paying for both at once.

You'll choose between two paths:

Original Medicare paired with a Medigap supplement gives you predictable costs and the freedom to see virtually any doctor. Medicare Advantage typically has lower premiums but comes with network restrictions and variable out-of-pocket costs. One isn't universally better — it depends on your health, your budget, and how you use your coverage.

Don't skip Part D. Even if you're on zero medications today, enrolling in drug coverage when you're first eligible protects you from a penalty that follows you for life.

The good news? You don't have to sort through any of this alone. Working with an independent Medicare agent costs you absolutely nothing — and having someone in your corner who knows this stuff inside and out makes the whole process a lot less stressful.
Answered by Angela Tapp Medicare Insurance Agent

Angela Tapp

Seniors WeCARE • Aubrey, TX

Do husband and wife each pay their own Medicare premiums, or is there a family plan option?

There is no family or joint plan option for Medicare. Medicare is strictly individual coverage, meaning a husband and wife must enroll in their own separate plans and each pay their own individual premiums.

While you cannot share a plan, being married can impact your individual costs. If one spouse did not work enough quarters to qualify for premium-free hospital insurance, they can qualify based on their spouse’s work history once they turn 65. If you file taxes as Married Filing Jointly, your combined income determines whether you must pay a high-income surcharge (IRMAA) on your Part B and Part D premiums.

Aside from those factors, your premiums, deductibles, and benefits are entirely separate.
Answered by Jennifer Paxton Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer Paxton

Senior Savings Network • North Charleston, SC

Do husband and wife each pay their own Medicare premiums, or is there a family plan option?

Medicare is individual health insurance so husbands and wives each pay their own premiums.

Although there is not a family plan option and you can't share a policy, your marital status can still impact your overall costs.

1. Qualifying for Premium-Free Part A - Most people don't pay a premium for Part A (hospital insurance). If you do not have enough work history (40 credits or 10 years) to qualify for premium-free Part A on your own, you can qualify based on your spouse's history.

2. Potential Spousal Discounts - While Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not offer discounts, some private insurance companies offer a household discount for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies.

3. High-Income Surcharges - If you file your taxes jointly, the government looks at your combined marital income from 2 years prior to determine your monthly Part B (medical insurance) and Part D (prescription drugs) premiums. If your combined modified adjusted gross income exceeds the established threshold, both you and your spouse pay an extra surcharge called the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
Answered by Grant Hamilton Medicare Insurance Agent

Grant Hamilton

The Baldwin Group • Everett, WA

Can my employer force me to take Medicare when I turn 65?

It depends on your individual situation, which feels like a bit of a cop-out. If your employer is considered a small employer (less than 20 employees) they can force you to enroll in Medicare. Smaller employers do not have to operate by the same federal rules as larger companies. Medicare Part A & B will become your primary coverage.

If your employer is over 20 people, the employer cannot legally force you to enroll into Medicare. People with larger employers have three choices for their insurance. First, just stay on your employers plan. You can delay Medicare without penalty but make sure to notify Social Security of your intent to delay. The second option is to enroll in Medicare Part A, defer Part B, and stay on your employer coverage. Last, you could drop the employer plan and enroll in Medicare Part A&B.

Make sure and review your options with your employer's HR department to verify you are taking are taking a correct action. They may even be able refer you to a Medicare agent that can review Advantage and Supplement Options.

if you defer Medicare you can visit the Social Security website at this link: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up/part-b-only. If you don't like doing things online, you can call SSA directly for assistance at 1-800-772-1213.

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