Medicare Questions & Answers: Turning 65
Turning 65 Q&A
Showing 21 questions
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Do I have to apply for Medicare if I am still working past 65?
Not necessarily — but the answer depends entirely on one thing: the size of your employer. This comes up constantly with clients I work with throughout Bedford, NH and the rest of Hillsborough County, since so many people here are working well past 65.
If your employer has 20 or more employees: you can generally delay Medicare Part B without penalty, as long as you're covered by that employer's group health plan. When your employment or coverage eventually ends, you'll get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare — penalty-free.
If your employer has fewer than 20 employees: the rules flip. Medicare typically becomes your primary coverage regardless of your employer plan, which means delaying Medicare in this situation usually isn't the right move — you could end up with significant gaps in what actually gets paid. This is exactly the kind of detail worth confirming for your specific employer, rather than assuming either way.
A few other things worth knowing:
Part A is usually premium-free, so many people enroll in Part A even while delaying Part B — but if you're contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA), enrolling in Part A stops your HSA contribution eligibility, and Part A can apply retroactively up to 6 months. That timing needs to be planned around, not discovered after the fact.
COBRA and retiree health coverage do not count as active employer coverage for delaying Medicare. If you're relying on either of those past 65, you're likely already past your enrollment window without realizing it.
Bottom line: whether you "have to" apply depends on your employer's size and exactly what kind of coverage you currently have — not just whether you're still working. Getting this wrong in either direction, delaying when you shouldn't, or enrolling when you didn't need to, can be a costly mistake.
I'm a local, independent Medicare agent based in Bedford, New Hampshire, serving Hillsborough County and the surrounding area.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Your Humana health plan does not change your Social Security check. Humana is your health coverage, while SSI or SSDI is your monthly income benefit. The important question is which disability benefit you receive:SSI (Supplemental Security Income): When you turn 65, it can continue as age-based SSI. You no longer need to qualify under SSI’s disability rules, but you must still meet its income, resource, and living-arrangement requirements. It is not automatically guaranteed for life if those financial circumstances change. SSA’s SSI rules
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): It does not become SSI at age 65. It continues until your full retirement age, likely age 67, and then automatically changes to Social Security retirement benefits. The payment amount generally stays the same. SSA explanation
Some people receive both SSI and SSDI, so check your Social Security award letter or benefit-verification letter. If it says “Social Security Disability Insurance,” it is SSDI. If it says “Supplemental Security Income,” it is SSI. Also, because you just received Humana coverage, make sure you understand whether it is a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicaid plan, or both. Turning 65 may affect the type of Humana plan, but it should not simply stop your Social Security payment.
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).
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.
I'm self-employed and turning 65 — how do I transition to Medicare without employer coverage?
I work through this regularly with my self-employed clients locally throughout Bedford and Manchester, Hillsborough County, and New Hampshire statewide.
What's different: no employer group plan means no delay option. Special Enrollment Periods that let people postpone Medicare exist specifically for those covered by an employer group health plan (generally one with 20 or more employees). Without that, you don't qualify to delay — which means your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your real window: the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after.
If you have an individual or ACA Marketplace plan: Marketplace coverage does not count as creditable employer coverage. Having a Marketplace plan doesn't allow you to delay Medicare — you still need to enroll during your IEP to avoid a late enrollment penalty, even though you technically have other coverage in place.
A few things to plan for specifically:
An HSA paired with a high-deductible health plan, stop contributing at least 6 months before you apply for Medicare. Medicare Part A can apply retroactively up to 6 months, and contributing to an HSA during that retroactive period can trigger a tax penalty.
Decide between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement in advance — since without an employer plan as a fallback, you're making this decision solely on your own terms, which is an advantage if you plan ahead, but a real gap if you don't.
Plan your Marketplace plan's end date carefully. Once Medicare coverage begins, you'll generally want to end your Marketplace plan around the same time — running both isn't necessary and isn't an efficient use of your premium dollars.
A Medicare Supplement is worth a close look for self-employed clients as without an employer plan providing any kind of financial cushion, predictable monthly costs matter more. A Medicare Supplement plan, paired with Part D, gives you that predictability — broad provider access with fewer cost surprises.
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.
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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