What do I need to do if I didn't take Medicare at 65 and am now retiring?

Question

Charles Wheeler · Accepted Answer

A few things need to happen AHEAD of your retirement date. First, once you know the date you are retiring you will need to apply for Medicare Part B. You will need to create a 'special enrollment period' as you are (most likely) outside your turning 65 enrollment period. You will need to fill out Medicare Forms: CMS L564 and CMS 40B. CMS L564 is partly filled out by you and then the remainder is completed by your employer. It explains that you are retiring and losing employer coverage. CMS 40B is your application for Medicare Part B. It, along with CMS L564, explains to Medicare that you are losing coverage through your employer and now need to elect your Medicare Part B benefits.

Answered by Charles Wheeler on February 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, CT, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Charles Wheeler Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

If I didn't take Medicare at 65 and am now retiring ? Will if you don't start your Medicare once you are eligible, first, you are responsible for self-insurance for all medical cost. Once you start Medicare, you'll be subject to a penalty for life on your Medicare premiums

Answered by Gary Church on July 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Alexander · Answer

If you have had creditable employer coverage, you needs to apply for Medicare A & B
Use an advisor who will help you with the application, to avoid ant penality

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

So the question is, what do I need to do if you didn't take Medicare at 65 and you're now retiring? Well, hopefully you had coverage at your employer once you turned 65, and hopefully it was a company with more than 20 employees. Under 20 employees, you need to take Medicare, no matter if you're on the group health plan or not. But what you need to do is find an independent Medicare broker that only does Medicare, because as most people know, you can't be an expert at everything. You need to pick which way you're going to go and stick with it as far as being an agent. I couldn't do life insurance and all these other different lines of insurance and be an expert in Medicare. There's just not enough hours in the day.

Mark Bilgere · Answer

If you didn't take Medicare because you had employer benefits you need to complete two forms and submit them to Social Security. 
Form CMS-40B
Form CMS-L564 
You must have your employer complete the CMS-L564 acknowledging you had creditable coverage since you turned 65. Both forms must be submitted to the SS office nearest you. You are unable to do these forms online.

Daniel Brechin · Answer

You have an eligibility for 3 months prior to 65 the month of turning 65 and 3 months afterwards to enroll in a plan or part D. You may have a part D penality if you have a period after that and do not enroll in a part D.

Answered by Daniel Brechin on July 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in AL, FL, KY, MS & TN

Answered by Daniel Brechin Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Well, firstly, Congratulations!!! I'm sure it was with years of hard work! And now we need to get the health portion of your years in the right direction! 
You are now in what is known as a SEP (Special Enrollment Period). You want to go to Social Security and file to receive your benefits now, and submit that you are ready for your Medicare! 

Next, you need to decide on how your Health Insurance will be taken care of in the retirement years. You may have many choices! Are you covered through a School, government, or military plan? Did you work for the Railroad? But if a member of the private sector who doesn't have those choices, you will choose from the 3 elements of Original Medicare only, with a supplement plan, or exchange your Medicare to accept a Medicare Advantage Plan. 
But you want to take your Part A, even if you have permanent coverage through your employer. That could have been done when you turned 65. If you deferred your Part B when you turned 65, you need to let them know you are accepting that now.  Also, you will need to choose a Part D provider, unless you are accepting a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a Prescription plan. Don't miss this, as you can end up with permanently attached penalties moving forward. 

I would always recommend speaking with a Medicare professional face-to-face, and get the assistance to make this time easier and with more confidence.

William Lawler · Answer

If you did not take Medicare when you turned 65, you must enroll within 60 days of retiring. Usually, when you retire, your group health coverage ends also. So, you must enroll in both Medicare Parts A and B.  Doing this will allow you to enroll in a Medigap or Advantage health plan.
Bill Lawler

Larry Dalton · Answer

The agent will need to check to see what penalties will apply to your enrollment. Some of these penalties can only be determined by Medicare. But Medicare is governed by timelines, and it is very important to have an agent you trust to work out the details of your circumstances. There are 10% penalties for Medicare Part A and B in most circumstances. There is a 1% penalty for Medicare Part D on late enrollment. These penalties accumulate per month that you go without coverage, and they become part of your coverage expenses in the future under Medicare.

Answered by Larry Dalton on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Terri Reagin · Answer

If you have had credible coverage this entire time, you should not be penalized for waiting. You will be applying for a "Delayed" Part B coverage. Go to ssa.gov and click on "APPLY for MEDICARE" and follow the prompts for Delayed B. Be sure to get the document for your employer that they fill out certifying you had group coverage to avoid the penalty. If you are unsure how to proceed, contact your local agent for assistance.

Answered by Terri Reagin on August 18, 2025

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

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent

Voss Speros · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/what-do-i-need-to-do-if-i-didnt-take-medicare-at-65-and-am-now-retiring#voss-speros

Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF · Answer

You will have 60 days from the time you come off your group coverage to enroll in a supplement or Medicare Advantage plan. The Social Security Administration will tell you that you have 8 months to enroll in part B from your last day of coverage. While this is true for part B, it is not true for a supplement or a Medicare Advantage. If you miss this deadline, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment to enroll in a plan.

Answered by Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF on June 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, GA, IN, KY & TN

Answered by Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF Medicare Insurance Agent

Lynn C Shurtleff · Answer

Social Security will need a form from your employer showing you've had coverage at least since turning 65. Check with your HR department they should be familiar with this. You can also start the initial sign up at ssa.gov https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up/part-b-only

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff on August 27, 2025

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

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff Medicare Insurance Agent

Ronnie Robinson Jr · Answer

You would need to go to ssa.gov and start Part B if Part A is already started. Reach out to us if you need further assistance; we would be glad to help you.

Ray McCauley · Answer

go to Medicare and request your part b coverage then call me, there are important steps to follow, and I will walk you through them

Gregg Matheny · Answer

Hopefully you chose not to get Medicare because you had an employer plan. If that is the case, reach out to SSA (I like SSA. GOV) and apply for Medicare part B. SSA will reach out to you with a few forms that they want your employer to fill out as well as some info about your past plan. If that’s not the case and you are just now getting onto Medicare, and you haven’t had other credible coverage, then there will be penalties added onto your Medicare part B premium as well as a penalty added on to your part D premium (LEP). Depending upon how much time has passed will determine how big or small your penalty is.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Graves · Answer

Here’s what you need to do:

Enroll during the Special Enrollment Period – You have up to 8 months after your employment ends (or your employer coverage ends, whichever happens first) to sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B without facing a late enrollment penalty.

Get proof of your employer coverage – You’ll need to show that you had creditable health insurance coverage since turning 65. To do that, your employer must fill out Form CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information).

Apply for Medicare – You’ll need to submit two forms:

Form CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B), and

Form CMS-L564 from your employer.
You can send these to your local Social Security office by mail, fax, or in person. In some cases, you can also apply online through the Social Security website

Think about additional coverage – Depending on your healthcare needs, you might want to look into a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), a Part D prescription drug plan, or a Medigap policy to help with out-of-pocket costs.

Can help people living in Texas, California, or Florida. 
Contact us.

Melonie Wood · Answer

Depends on why you did not take Medicare. If a person has employer insurance, which is considered "credible coverage" then when a member leaves the employer plan, they need to contact social security & sign up up for Medicare. This must be completed within 63 days of ending the employer plan

Answered by Melonie Wood on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & AL

Answered by Melonie Wood Medicare Insurance Agent

William Gray · Answer

if you did not take medicare at 65 you will be penalized at 1% per month for each month that you did not have coverage under the Medicare program. 

If you had qaulifying coverage you will need to submit  Form CMS L564/R297 (09/23)  to get the penalty removed before you apply for Part A, B, and D. 

William

Kerwyn Jones · Answer

Notify Social Security and request it. You may have to wait for the GEP(General Enrollment Period) Jan through March

Steven Whetstine · Answer

You will sign up for Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical).  If you worked long enough, you will not have to pay for Part A.  For Part B (Medical), you will have to pay the premium each month.

To start, you will need a letter of creditable coverage through your employer which you can get through your Human Resources or Benefits Administrator.  You would need this to complete the CMS-L564 form through social security to reflect proof of employment and that you had employer coverage.  Most people sign up through the social security website at ssa.gov which is the gatekeeper for Medicare whether you are taking social security or not.  You can also call or visit the local social security office.

Once you get your Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical) set up, you will be granted a special election period to identify the options that make sense for you.

Carly Cusack · Answer

The first thing to do is apply for Medicare Part A and Part B. If you didn't enroll when you turned 65, you may have a late enrollment penalty. If you worked past the age of 65 and had insurance coverage from an employer that is deemed credible, then you won't have a late enrollment penalty. You apply for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security. You can enroll online at ssa.gov, or contact them, or go to a Social Security office for help.

Answered by Carly Cusack on September 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in OR & WA

Answered by Carly Cusack Medicare Insurance Agent

Lilyana Uzdenova-Gomez · Answer

Hopefully, you had creditable coverage the entire time you qualified for Medicare but decided to delay it. You can find out if you qualify for retirement health benefits through your employer and if you don’t or they don’t seem to make financial sense, you would want to enroll into parts B and D within 63 days of leaving your employer coverage, even though part B penalty is only applicable if you have a full year coverage gap, part D penalty starts to accrue 63 days after you leave your employer coverage. Before you decide whether to choose a stand alone part D vs a Medicare Advantage part D plan you’d want to figure out whether you are a better fit for a Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage plan. These two types of coverage are your two main paths of getting extra insurance in addition to Medicare and major issues happen from getting this first question wrong. An experienced local Medicare insurance expert can help you understand and navigate your needs better. Hope this clears it up a bit.

Answered by Lilyana Uzdenova-Gomez on March 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Lilyana Uzdenova-Gomez Medicare Insurance Agent

Justin Scheiner · Answer

If you delayed Medicare past 65 because you had employer coverage, you’ll want to sign up during a Special Enrollment Period once that coverage ends so you avoid penalties. The first step is to enroll in Part B through Social Security, and then you can add a supplement or Advantage plan that fits your needs.

Answered by Justin Scheiner on September 15, 2025

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

Answered by Justin Scheiner Medicare Insurance Agent

Marc Rheingold · Answer

If you didn’t enroll in Medicare when you first became eligible at 65 and are now retiring, you may need to take some specific steps to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage.

Mark Sannes · Answer

If you continued working past 65 and deferred getting signed up for Medicare you may be just fine if you work for a company with more than 20 employees and are on the employers health plan. If not, you may be subject to penalties when you do sign up, and these will be for the rest of your life. We suggest that you contact our agency before retiring and losing your current employer coverage.

Answered by Mark Sannes on March 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in WA, AK, AZ & 11 other states

Answered by Mark Sannes Medicare Insurance Agent

Rose Cahill · Answer

Many people work past 65 these days. It's not a problem - as long as you have had health coverage through your employer. Now that you want to retire, you need to get a Medicare number and effective dates for Medicare Parts A&B. If you already have a Medicare card and an effective Part A date, you need only apply for Part B. You can do this by going on-line at medicare.gov or by working through your local Social Security office.

Once you have an effective A&B date, you are then ready to consider whether you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement Plan to help defray the expenses that Medicare does not cover.

Derek Rogers · Answer

Upon retiring after age 65, you must enroll in Medicare during your 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to avoid penalties, starting when your employer coverage ends. You need to submit Forms CMS-40B (Application) and CMS-L564 (Employment Information) to Social Security to prove "creditable" coverage and avoid late fees.

Answered by Derek Rogers on February 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Derek Rogers Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer Sigman · Answer

If you delayed Medicare because you had employer coverage, you can enroll when you retire using a Special Enrollment Period. This helps you avoid penalties, but you’ll want to enroll within the set window to ensure your coverage starts on time.

Answered by Jennifer Sigman on February 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, IA & 12 other states

Answered by Jennifer Sigman Medicare Insurance Agent

Michelle de Guzman · Answer

You will need the CMS form L564E, which your employer signs to verify that you had creditable coverage from your 65th birthday, And you will need the CMS form 40 B, which notifies Medicare of when you want your Medicare Part B to become effective. Those forms are available from me or on line.

Answered by Michelle de Guzman on April 8, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & 10 other states

Answered by Michelle de Guzman Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer Whitworth · Answer

If you did not enroll in Medicare when you turned 65 and are now looking at retirement, it is important to understand your options for obtaining coverage. First, you should review the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that allows you to sign up for Medicare without facing penalties, typically available for eight months following your retirement. Also consider whether you need to apply for both Part A and Part B, as well as explore any potential gaps in coverage that may arise during the transition. It is also advisable to consult with a Medicare expert or financial advisor to be sure that you make informed decisions regarding your healthcare needs and avoid any unnecessary delays or penalties.

Answered by Jennifer Whitworth on October 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, CT, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Jennifer Whitworth Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Baggett · Answer

The first step is to enroll in Medicare Part B. You will receive a Special Enrollment Period(SEP) that begins when your employment ends or your health coverage ends. You have 8 months to enroll in Part B without a penalty.

Step 2: Provide proof of credible coverage this keeps you from being penalized.

Step 3: Choose Your Coverage

Once Part B is active, you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement + Part D or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Your employer coverage usually ends at the end of the month, so you should start this process 2–3 months before retirement to avoid a gap in coverage.

If for some reason you did not have credible coverage and you are over 65  then you could be subject to a penalty. This is where working with an Agent is important, he or she can guide you through the process and help make the experience as easy as possible

Guillermo Gonzalez · Answer

If you have the intention of retiring, you can file to start the Medicare enrollment process.  In the paperwork you are going to put down the month you would like to activate it.

Joshua Cooper · Answer

You simply need to go apply for Medicare Part B on ssa.gov

Then you should schedule a custom appointment to get an individualized plan with myself or one of our Medicare Coaches.

Nichole Wright · Answer

Once you know the date your employer coverage will end, you'll need to sign up for Medicare through the Social Security Administration. Most people sign up for Part A when they turn 65, if that's the case for you then you'll only need to sign up for Part B. If you didn't sign up for A, you'll need to apply for both A & B. Once you know the start date of your Medicare Parts A and/or A and B then you can start selecting a Medicare Supplement & Part D coverage or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Answered by Nichole Wright on August 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO

Answered by Nichole Wright Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Dewey · Answer

You need to submit two forms to avoid a part B penalty and to prove you had continuous health coverage since turning 65 :Form CMS-40B: This is your actual application for Medicare Part B. You can complete it online or download the PDF via the CMS Medicare Part B Application page. You also need a request for employee information Form also known as CMS-L564: This form verifies your employment-based health coverage. You must fill out Section A, and your employer's HR department must fill out Section B. You can download it directly from the CMS Employer Coverage Verification page. We help you with this. Simply send us a picture of your medicare card with Part A on it and scan and email REQUEST FOR EMPLOYEE INFORMATION FORM TO US, and we will upload forms to the social security website. You will receive an email confirmation seconds after we upload both forms. Once you verify email from social security the application will be process.

Answered by Christopher Dewey on May 18, 2026

Agent Licensed in SC, AL, AR & 43 other states

Answered by Christopher Dewey Medicare Insurance Agent

David Brown · Answer

If you already have Part A active:

How to Apply for Medicare - Special Enrollment

Period (SEP) - Part B Only

Who is this for?:
➢ Enrolling in Part B after the initial enrollment period/after 65 (already enrolled in Part A)

When?
➢ When you’re ending an employer group health plan - If you’ve been covered by an active employer group
health plan (either yours or your spouse's) since turning 65, and it ended within the last 8 months, you can enroll
in Part B without any penalty. This is considered a “Special Enrollment Period.”
➢ It’s Recommended to enroll in Part B up to 3 months prior to when you want coverage to begin (always the 1st
day of the month). For example, if you want Part B coverage to begin August 1st, then you will want to start the
process as early as May.

Enrollment options:
Option 1: Online at https://secure.ssa.gov/mpboa/medicare-part-b-online-application/ - You can also go to
https://www.ssa.gov/ and click on “Sign up for Medicare” and then Sign Up for Part B Only
Option 2: Enroll in-person at the local Social Security Office
Option 3: Fax or Mail - Find locations and fax info here: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

Information you will need to provide:
➢ Application for enrollment in Medicare Part B (form CMS-40B)
○ This form is only used if enrolling by fax, mail, or at the local Social Security Office
➢ Request for Employment Information (form CMS-L565)
○ This form is needed for all enrollment options
○ This form is to be filled out by the employer where you have group health coverage

What happens next?:
You will receive a new Medicare card in the mail. You will also be able to print a benefit verification letter from your
online account within Social Security. This can take approximately 1-3 months.

If you do not have Part A active yet - Enroll for both Part A & B through your online social security account.  You will still need to provide the "Request for Employment Information" form (CMS-L565).

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Since it is extremely common that our Medicare-eligible people don’t want to retire, there’s a customary answer to this question. At age 65, most folks have an employer healthcare plan which has been an acceptable option as a full-time employee for years. So, all you need to do is simply pick up the totally free of premium Part A (this is used for your INpatient Hospital coverage). This will eliminate the employer paying for your hospital coverage! But, your employer plan DOES PAY for: OUTpatient doctor visits, your Rx’s, labs, etc., which is akin to Medicare’s Part B. You would not need that until you have separated/retired from your employer’s plan especially since THAT part of Medicare DOES HAVE a monthly premium! It is based on your two-year old tax return under the line “Adjusted Gross Income” or AGI.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Please contact Social Security & speak with a representative or go to a local Social Security office. If you have Group Health plan coverage you will need the employer to complete a form. It is the Medicare Part B form for your employer sponsored Health Insurance. Please have your human resources at your employer complete part of it & then return it. If your Group Health plan mail you a Certificate of Credible coverage, keep it. It is your proof of Credible Coverage. Thank you.

Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA on June 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY, MO, OH & TN

Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

You will need to enroll in Medicare during a Special Enrollment Period or the General Enrollment Period. 

You'll likely have an 8-month SEP starting when your employer coverage ends or you lose access to your employer's health plan (or your spouse's). 

If you miss this SEP, you can enroll during the GEP (January 1 - March 31), but you may face late enrollment penalties.

Steve Houchens · Answer

You are most likely already on part A and if you delayed part B due to working you have 8 months to enroll in Part B to avoid incurring a penalty for late enrollment. As long as you had credible coverage through an employer or other coverage you will no incur a late enrollment penalty for part B or part D , but you will need to get enrolled for both. You can enroll in part B through Social Security or Medicare.

Answered by Steve Houchens on September 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Kristen Skinner · Answer

You can apply for Part B and 60 days before your Part B effective date you can enroll in a Supplement plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. You may have to show that you had credible coverage from an Employer so you will not have to pay a penalty.

Answered by Kristen Skinner on December 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Kristen Skinner Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Cronwell · Answer

if you were covered by employer health insurance you in effect deferred your sign up time frame.

Usually your employer insurance require you sign up for part A, but defer signing up for part B until your employer insurance ends.

When your decide to retire and stop your employer insurance, call Medicare and activate your part b so it starts when your employer insurance ends.

Hannah Skinner · Answer

If you are retiring and would like to take Medicare, you will need to go to www.ssa.gov to apply for Medicare Part B. In order to avoid the late enrollment penalty, you will need to get your employer benefits/HR person to fill out an employee benefits verification form (CMS-L564) and submit it with your Part B application.

Answered by Hannah Skinner on July 31, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC, AL, AR & 44 other states

Answered by Hannah Skinner Medicare Insurance Agent

Gus Karigan · Answer

If you didn’t enroll in Medicare at 65 and are now retiring, you need to take action to avoid gaps in coverage and potential penalties.

First, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This period typically lasts 8 months starting the month after your employer coverage ends. During the SEP, you can enroll in Part A(hospital) and/or Part B (medical) without paying the late enrollment penalty, as long as you had creditable employer coverage while working.

Next, consider whether you need Part D (prescription drug coverage) and/or a Medigap/Medicare Supplement plan to help with out-of-pocket costs. Enrollment in these can also occur during your SEP. Make sure to gather information about your employer coverage, retirement date, and any current insurance so you can provide proof that you had creditable coverage — this helps avoid penalties and ensures continuous protection.

Barbara Patterson, CFP · Answer

Get a L564 from your employer or spouse’s employer to prove you have had coverage since age 65. You would use this form when enrolling in Medicare Part B and Part A. I assist clients with enrolling in Part A and B also.

Answered by Barbara Patterson, CFP on January 26, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Barbara Patterson, CFP Medicare Insurance Agent

Frank Woerner · Answer

First of all, if you declined to take Medicare at age 65, you must sign up for Medicare Part A & B either online or the local Social Security office. If you do already have Part A, but not Part B, you'll need to sign up for Part B. Unsure, contact local SS Office.

Answered by Frank Woerner on December 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN & IL

Answered by Frank Woerner Medicare Insurance Agent

Anna Davis CIC-RSSA · Answer

No worries at all—and congratulations on reaching retirement! Many of us look forward to that day :O)

To get started, you’ll need your employer to complete CMS Form L564, which verifies to the Social Security office that you had creditable coverage through your job. This helps you avoid a late enrollment penalty for Medicare.

This form will also include your current coverage end date, which determines when your Medicare will begin. For example, if your employer coverage ends on 07/31, your Medicare coverage should begin on 08/01, ensuring there’s no gap in coverage.
It’s also a good idea to speak with a licensed local agent to explore your options for covering:
*The 20% coinsurance for Medicare Part B
*Part A deductibles
*Prescription drug coverage
Remember: Medicare does not cover everything. That 20% coinsurance under Part B has no out-of-pocket limit, which could expose you to unexpected financial risk.
So be careful—get the right coverage, and enjoy peace of mind as you enter this exciting new chapter of your life!

Lea Vollmer · Answer

Fill out the part B application at your local Social Security Office or online at SSA.gov. This lets Social Security know when you want to start your benefits and how you are going to pay for your Part B premium. Benefits only start on the 1st of every month. So, if you know you are going to retire in July, you can fill out the Part B application and set up payment arrangements, and start date of July 1. Make sure you do not have a lapse in coverage after you turn 65, or you will have a fine.

Answered by Lea Vollmer on May 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Lea Vollmer Medicare Insurance Agent

Celeste McGrath · Answer

There are penalties that you should be aware of if you did not take Medicare when you turned 65 AND did not have creditable coverage from an employer plan. If you DID have creditable coverage, there is a form that your employer HR dept will need to fill out showing that you did have coverage so you do not incur Late Enrollment Penalties. You can generally get this form from a licensed Medicare broker.

Answered by Celeste McGrath on January 21, 2026

Broker Licensed in GA, FL, NC & SC

Answered by Celeste McGrath Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Kulis · Answer

If you have had credible coverage from an employer, you will have a guaranteed issue period to enroll in a Medicare plan. A local agent can help you choose a plan.

Valentina Gatewood · Answer

You can now apply for Medicare, and would recommend to show proof of creditable coverage to avoid penalties.

Christopher Orr · Answer

Apply for your Part B thru Social Security, they may give you a form to take to employer to comply and show how creditable your group health drug coverage was post 65 . That form will go back to social security with part B application.

Answered by Christopher Orr on May 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, KY, NC & VA

Answered by Christopher Orr Medicare Insurance Agent

Lou Ann Pyatt · Answer

You may sign up online through Social Security (ssa.gov) or contact a licensed Medicare agent to assist you. If you had "creditable" coverage through employment, you will need a letter from the employer attesting that you had creditable coverage to upload so you won't be penalized for not having creditable coverage.

Answered by Lou Ann Pyatt on November 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC

Answered by Lou Ann Pyatt Medicare Insurance Agent

Brandon Grzywa · Answer

Proper planning and preparation are key to ensuring a smooth transition to Medicare. Assuming your work coverage was creditable, you should not incur any late enrollment penalties. It is wise to enroll in Medicare through the Social Security office three months before your retirement date. 
Also, understanding your coverage options and which options best fit your needs is essential. Consult an independent broker for assistance in determining the best fit for your circumstances. The consultation should be free of charge to you.

Kilolo Thomas · Answer

You need to now enroll in Medicare.  Next steps depend on if you have retiree benefits or not.  Recommend you work with a licensed agent.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

you can still enroll, but you may face late enrollment penalties. You can enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you had other coverage when you turned 65 and are now retiring.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on June 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

There are a number of steps required. If you want to give me a call we can go over all the details as it's too lengthy to put here 
You can contact me. Gary Henderson with Medicare genius

Andrew Kramer · Answer

Hopefully you've had employer insurance, AND 20 or more employees are on that insurance! If that's the case, you will not be penalized for not signing up for Part B when you turned 65. You will need to obtain the CMS forms for your employer to confirm you had their insurance. And then submit that form, and the personal CMS form to a local SSA office.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on October 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

If you didn't enroll in Medicare at 65 and are now retiring, here's what you need to do: Step 1 Enroll in Medicare ASAP you'll need to sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) - usually free if you or your spouse worked 10+ years. Part B (medical insurance) - has a monthly premium. If you had employer coverage through active work, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which lets you sign up for Medicare without a late penalty. Step 2 Use your Special Enrollment Period you have 8 months from the date you retire or lose employer coverage to enroll in: Part B Part D (prescription drug coverage), if needed or a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, if you want extra coverage.

Answered by Meghan Blankenship on November 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH

Answered by Meghan Blankenship Medicare Insurance Agent

Carol Thompson · Answer

Depending on whether you opted out of the part B so there is no penalties and if you have creditable coverage - you will need to verify that... If you did not take your social security early like at 62 then you will need to apply for medicare through social security administration. www.ssa.gov

Answered by Carol Thompson on October 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI

Answered by Carol Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent

Marcie Barnes · Answer

First of all congratulations on the next phase of your life.

Start your application for Medicare now.  There will be no penalties as long as you have maintained credible coverage through your job.

Go to ssa.gov to create an account and apply for social security and Medicare.

Once you have your Medicare number which takes about 3 weeks.  Contact a licensed professional like myself to find coverage that's right for you

Dean Chiapetto · Answer

If you had creditable coverage from an employer you maybe ok. If you didn't turn on part B of Medicare you will have a guarantee to get covered. You need to use an insurance broker. Brokers Make a Difference!

Answered by Dean Chiapetto on November 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, MD, NC, TN & WV

Answered by Dean Chiapetto Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Henry · Answer

File for Medicare part B, You have 60 days to apply for a Medicare Advantage or supplement plan.

Jack Mayer · Answer

After you leave your Employee Group Health Plan you will have 63 days to get on Medicare and enroll in a plan without penalty.

Deborah Webster · Answer

You must have delayed your B at age 65, so you will need to contact Social Security or go to the website to apply for your B. This will open another open enrollment period for you to get on Medicare plans. Give yourself about 3 months before full retirement so that you have time to pick your plans.

Answered by Deborah Webster on August 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer Kalbach · Answer

Well hopefully you were on a group plan with at least 19 employees or more which means you will not be penalized for taking it late. You have 63 days to get coverage once leaving a qualified group plan.

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach on December 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach Medicare Insurance Agent

Mel Stevens · Answer

First of all, congratulation on retirement, you deserve it! The first 2 important item are Medicare Part A and Part B. In general, as long as you worked for 10 years or 40 quarters, Part A which is hospital coverage should have already been issued, even if you were still working. You must apply for part B. You can contact Medicare by calling or stopping by the local Medicare or Social Security office. If you are a little tech savvy, I believe the option with the least hassle or most efficient would be to visit on-line and complete a Part B application at: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up/part-b-only. For most Medicare recipients, in 2025, Part B will cost $184.70 a month with a higher sliding scale depending on income. Once you receive you part B effective date you will have 60 days to sign up for a prescription drug plan. Do not delay on signing up for prescription drug plan. Be aware if you pass the 60-day window, Medicare can penalize you for the rest of your life! Along with Part A and B you should also explore the option of Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan to give you additional coverage where Part A and B do not.

Answered by Mel Stevens on April 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Peck · Answer

Get with an agent to make sure what you are eligible for, making sure there are no penalties and fees. Plus making sure the client isnt already covered with a work plan.

Antonio Rodriguez · Answer

f you didn’t take Medicare at 65 and you’re retiring now, you’ll want to enroll during your Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This lets you sign up without a penalty if you’ve had employer coverage. You’ll just need proof of that coverage (a form from your employer or HR). It’s best to start the process a month or two before your coverage ends.

Answered by Antonio Rodriguez on November 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in OR

Answered by Antonio Rodriguez Medicare Insurance Agent

Ben Washington · Answer

What do I need to do if I didn't take Medicare at 65 and am now retiring? All need to do is go SSA.gov or go to your nearest Social Security Office (make appointment) to sign up for part B, you should already have gotten Part A if work 40 quarters or ten years. You will have up 8 Months to apply for part B from losing group coverage without getting a penalty.

Answered by Ben Washington on July 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, FL, MN, SC, TX & WI

Answered by Ben Washington Medicare Insurance Agent

Cheryl Lyons · Answer

If you didn’t enroll in Medicare when you turned 65 because you were still working and had employer-sponsored health coverage, you can usually enroll when you retire without a penalty.

Here are the typical steps:

1. Apply for Medicare Part A and Part B
    * You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you had coverage through your employer (or your spouse’s employer).
    * The SEP allows you to enroll in Part B without a late enrollment penalty.
2. Get proof of employer coverage
    * You’ll generally need your employer to complete Medicare Form CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information).
    * You’ll also complete Form CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B).
3. Enroll promptly after retirement
    * Your Special Enrollment Period lasts for 8 months after employment ends or employer coverage ends (whichever comes first).
    * Don’t wait, as delaying beyond the SEP could result in penalties and coverage gaps.
4. Choose additional coverage
    Once Medicare Parts A and B are active, you’ll need to decide whether to enroll in:
    * A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan plus a Part D prescription drug plan, or
    * A Medicare Advantage plan that may include drug coverage.

Important exception

If your employer had fewer than 20 employees, Medicare may have been expected to be your primary coverage at age 65. In that situation, different rules can apply, and penalties may be possible.

For personalized guidance, you can contact the Social Security Administration or visit  Medicare.gov⁠

Julie Thompson · Answer

You will need to enroll in Part B. If you had coverage with your employer, no penalty will apply and you have 8 months from end of coverage or end of job whichever happens first to enroll in Part B. Be aware you need to allow time for the enrollment process. Don't wait to the last minute.

Answered by Julie Thompson on October 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, KY, NV & TN

Answered by Julie Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent

John Motsinger · Answer

Social security and Medicare require you and your employer to fill out special forms proving you had creditable health coverage and also that your coverage is now terminating in order for you to enroll in medicare part B after age 65 and waive the penalty

Answered by John Motsinger on August 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY, CO, FL & 9 other states

Answered by John Motsinger Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Murphy · Answer

I'm not really clear on your question but I'll try to answer.
If you didn't sign up for Medicare at age 65 because you were still working, you worked for an employer with more than 20 employees, and you had creditable Rx coverage through them, the only thing you'll need to do is go to your local Social Security office and register for Medicare Parts A&B.  You can also register online at:  www.ssa.gov
You will also need a Certificate of Creditable Coverage from your work plan stating that you had creditable Rx coverage from the time you turned 65 until you started your Medicare.

Adam Paul · Answer

You need to enroll in Medicare through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you or your spouse are still working and have employer-sponsored health coverage, which starts when that employment ends. If you don't qualify for an SEP, you can enroll in Part B during the General Enrollment Period (GEP) from January 1 to March 31, but you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You can enroll for Part A and/or Part B online via the Social Security Administration website.

Answered by Adam Paul on October 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, NV, OK & OR

Answered by Adam Paul Medicare Insurance Agent

Natalee Nimmo · Answer

Well, first of all, I would recommend getting with a good broker to help you through this. Secondly, this would depend if you are just now turning on your part B with Medicare or you’ve had it on the entire time since you were 65. This would also depend on whether or not you had coverage through your employer. This is not something you need to wait on because you have a very short timeframe to get this taken care of without any penalties. However, you may still have penalties if you didn’t have employer coverage. I would definitely seek the advice and the assistance of a good broker.

Answered by Natalee Nimmo on May 18, 2026

Broker Licensed in SC, FL, GA & KY, MO, NC & TX

Answered by Natalee Nimmo Medicare Insurance Agent

Nora Alishahi · Answer

Before recommending anything I will suggest to contact and agent that can answer all your questions and see what coverage you have and what are the next steps to follow.

Mark Walker · Answer

If you didn’t take Medicare when you turn 65 then the process is a little bit more complicated and has a couple of documents that need to be completed to show that you’ve had credible coverage during the time between turning 65 and today.

Ray Rios · Answer

Short response. Contact me. There is a short window to enroll before penalties come into effect.

Jose Felix Arevalo · Answer

If you delayed Medicare at 65 and are now retiring, you can enroll during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you had employer coverag, no penalty applies. If you didn’t have creditable coverage, you must wait for the General Enrollment Period (Jan–Mar) and may face late penalties.

Cynthia Allen · Answer

If you have had creditable medical coverage, i.e. a medical plan from your employer, then you would need a letter from your employer stating that you have had coverage along with the starting date of coverage and when it will end.  You will need that to sign up for Medicare Part A and B within 8 months of you leaving your employment to avoid any penalties.   You would need to contact Social Security if you plan on taking those benefits, and then you could have the Part B premium taking out of Social Security as an option.  It all depends upon when you want to take social security.  You can go to medicare.gov to find out information or contact an agent to help explain things further to you which is best since every situation can be different.

Julia Alves · Answer

If you didn’t enroll in Medicare when you turned 65 and are now retiring, you’ll need to act before your employer coverage ends to avoid gaps in coverage and potential penalties.

1. Understand your coverage status

If you had creditable employer group health coverage (e.g., from a company with 20+ employees) when you turned 65, you can delay Medicare Part B enrollment until you lose that coverage.

*In most cases, you should have already enrolled in Medicare Part A, as for the majority of people, it is a $0 premium.

2. Apply for Medicare Part B during your Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

You have an 8‑month SEP after you stop working (or lose your employer health insurance, whichever comes first) to sign up for Medicare Part B without penalty.

If you miss the SEP, you’ll face a life‑long 10% penalty on your Part B premium for each year you could have enrolled but didn’t.

Complete the required forms:

Form CMS‑40B: Your application for Medicare Part B.

Form CMS‑L564: Employer‑completed form explaining you had creditable coverage and are now retiring

Submit both to Social Security, preferably sooner rather than later, within your SEP.

4. Plan coverage timing

You can choose to start Medicare Part B the day after your employer coverage ends if you submit the application before you lose coverage.

After enrolling in Part B, you have a 63‑day Special Enrollment Period to add Medigap, Medicare Advantage, or Part D drug coverage.

Albert Smith · Answer

To answer your question, I need more information. Did your place of employment have a credible Health Insurance plan, and do you participate in it? If so, you should contact Social Security to sign up for Medicare Parts A, B. Next, you will have to decide whether to get a supplemental Plan with a Part D Plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan, or stay with Original Medicare. You can research and find what fits your needs, or call a licensed and Certified Medicare Broker for assistance.

Donald Baker · Answer

Start the process of applying for Medicare, ideally on line as soon as possible and request an effective date for part B. Obtain a letter of having had credible insurance from your employer to avoid penalties.

Rick Balistreri · Answer

As long as you were covered by your employer's insurance plan with 20 or more employees, you are now able to transition into Medicare without any issues. You will need to apply for Part A and Part B to begin the Medicare journey. Once you have your number and starting date established, you are eligible to sign up for a Supplement or Advantage plan of your choice. We always encourage folks to watch our educational webinar that explains how Medicare works and what options they have with Medicare. It is important to educate yourself so that you can make the right decisions about your coverage.

Angela Wainright · Answer

CALL ME! In all seriousness - as long as you’ve had credible coverage through your (or your spouse’s) active employment since turning 65, you won’t be penalized for waiting. When you retire, you’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that lasts 8 months to sign up for Part A and/or Part B.
To avoid a coverage gap, it’s best to apply a month or two before your employer coverage ends, since Medicare usually starts the first of the month after you apply.
You can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security (either online, by phone, or in person). I often assist my clients with their Part A and Part B enrollment online.
We may also need to submit form CMS-L564 – this verifies you had employer coverage and protects you from late-enrollment penalties.
Once A and B are active, you can decide which coverage path you would like to take: 1. Medicare Supplement with a Drug Plan or 2. A Medicare Advantage Plan.

Sandy Hammond · Answer

Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B if you have not done so already.  Also, you must include the L564 form, your employer will fill this out, that indicates that you have had creditable employer coverage up to this point.  You will want the Part B effective date to be the 1st of the month for which you will no longer have employer coverage.  If you have not already enrolled in Part A, it will be back-dated for 6 months. 
Please apply online through your SSA.gov account (Social Security Account). If you are also expecting to apply for your Social Security Retirement Income, please do not apply at the same time as Medicare.  For some reason, this causes major delays in getting your Medicare card.  Apply for your Medicare A & B first, get your Medicare card, and then apply for Social Security, if that is possible for you.  
Once you have received your Medicare card, you can then speak with an agent about "additional" insurance coverage options.  I hope this answer is helpful.

Debbi Wallace · Answer

Well, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.  If you have had continuous medical coverage up to this point, you may NOT have to pay a penalty. But do enroll as soon as possible.

Ana V. Magalhaes · Answer

Hello,

The best is to contact Social Security office and check where you stand.
Did you delay Part B while still working after turning 65?
Was/ is the coverage you had / have still working credible?
Before you retire contact SSA to make sure your transition goes smoothly.

Jessie Rhodes · Answer

The next step will be to contact Social Security office at least sixty to ninety days prior to retirement so that your part B is active then you can have your Medicare plan active and in effect so that you would have seamless coverage

Martha Lopez-Elkind · Answer

If you are retiring and haven't signed up for Medicare beyond 65, it's important to contact your local Social Security office to enroll in both Parts A and B and provide the CMS-L564 form from your employer as proof of creditable coverage to avoid a late enrollment penalty. This will create a Special Enrollment Period(SEP) that begins when your employer coverage ends.

Maurice Ellis · Answer

You should meet with a licensed agent ASAP.  If you wait to long penalties could into play. And your insurance with your job could play a vital part in your coverage.

Brian Williams · Answer

Since you are retiring or have retired, contact a Medicare Agent to review your options for your healthcare coverage after retirement. You should also contact the Social Security office to ensure that you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

Gene Page · Answer

That depends...
If you missed your enrollment window, you will have to apply through Social Security to activate your account, and may have to wait for an enrollment window...
If you have been covered on a credible group health plan, you will most likely be losing that coverage at retirement. (Some companies allow continuing coverage to their retirees).  If you lose that coverage, you are granted a special election opportunity called 'Loss of Coverage" and you have 2 months (63 days) to apply for coverage.

Talk with your HR to see what options you have.

Gina Pranzitelli · Answer

Contact your local SHIP, States Health Insurance Assistance Program and they can assist you. Depending on your situation they will be sure to guide you in the right direction and make sure you dont have any late penalty fees.

Linda Bolan · Answer

Your first step is to apply for Medicare Part A (Hospitalization) and Part B is Medical.  There will be a premium for Part B that changes every January.  Typically Part A is at no cost.

Glenn Virga · Answer

The biggest thing to do first is to make sure your Part B has started if not make sure to apply. 
Two ways in doing this. 1. Set up your SS account on SSA.gov when you do this you can get your SS started and apply for part B. 2. You can go to Medicare.gov and print the application off. You will need Form CMS-40B this is the request for enrollment in Medicare part B. Also you will need Form CMS-L564 Medicare request for employment information. The reason for this is to prove that you had health coverage past 65. This is very important, so you do not get fined for not having part B. Then you can turn these forms into your local SS office.

Pedro Rodriguez · Answer

If you had health coverage through your job or your spouse’s job, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You’ll have 8 months after your job or coverage ends to sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B without penalties.
If you don’t qualify for SEP, you may face late enrollment penalties:
* Part B: 10% extra for each year you delayed, added for life.
* Part A: Usually free, but if not, a 10% penalty applies for twice the years delayed.
Next steps: ✔ Check your coverage history. ✔ Contact Social Security to confirm your enrollment options. ✔ Enroll as soon as possible. ✔ Consider extra coverage like Medigap or Part D.
Español 
Pregunta de un Adulto 65+: “¿Qué debo hacer si no me inscribí en Medicare a los 65 años y ahora me estoy jubilando?”
Respuesta: Si tenías seguro médico por tu trabajo o el de tu cónyuge, puedes calificar para un Período Especial de Inscripción (SEP). Tienes 8 meses desde que termina tu empleo o cobertura para inscribirte en Medicare Parte A y/o Parte B sin multas.
Si no calificas para SEP, pueden aplicarte multas por inscripción tardía:
* Parte B: 10% extra por cada año de retraso, de por vida.
* Parte A: Usualmente gratis, pero si no lo es, se aplica una multa del 10% por el doble de los años de demora.
Próximos pasos: ✔ Revisa tu historial de cobertura. ✔ Contacta al Seguro Social para confirmar tus opciones. ✔ Inscríbete lo antes posible. ✔ Considera cobertura adicional como Medigap o Parte D.

Alisa Mathis · Answer

Once you know your end date , you will just apply like normal. You can complete the application on the Social Security website, by phone, or by going into your local Social Security office. You will have to show proof that you were on your employer’s insurance the entire time you were eligible for Medicare to avoid any penalties. It’s best to do this process before your last day of employment. This way you will have no gaps in insurance and your  Medicare would start the first of the month after your last day of employment.

Kyra Baldwin · Answer

If you deferred signing up for Part B until retirement, than you will have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period that begins when you stop working or lose coverage. However, to avoid gaps in coverage, you will want to sign up for Medicare prior to your end date.

Edward Pevnick · Answer

You need to contact Social Security to sign up for Medicare parts A and B:

www.ssa.gov

Diana Pedersen · Answer

Apply for Medicare Part B by creating a 'special enrollment period'.
Fill out Medicare Forms CMS L564 and CMS 40B

Typically, what I tell my clients is that this needs to be done at least 2 months before your retirement or when your creditable coverage (health insurance) from your employer ends. You have a 63 day window after your medical coverage ends after age 65, to not be subject to a Part B penalty.

Brian Adelstein · Answer

Because you delayed Medicare past age 65, you must enroll during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to avoid lifelong late enrollment penalties. As long as you had qualifying health insurance from an active employer, you can transition smoothly to Medicare without any gaps in coverage.

Clarence Davis · Answer

Depending on the coverage you had previously, it's possible to enroll into Medicare with/without penalty.

Boris Mitnik · Answer

The chances are that you had your Group Health insurance when you turned 65. Because you did not need two medical insurance coverages, most likely you declined Part-B of Medicare that costs $185 per month in 2025. The first thing you have to do is to re-enroll into Part-B. You can do it online, you can visit the Social Security, or you can call them. After you re-enrolled into Part-B you may select whether you would like to supplement the Original Medicare with Medicare Supplement or choose Medicare Advantage to work instead of Original Medicare. Please don't forget to enroll into Prescription Drug Plan (Part-D) at the same time. 
(Also, you should be VERY careful if you had and can keep some of the Group Health benefits from your last employer.)

Alexander Valencia · Answer

1. You will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in Medicare, which starts when you stop working or lose your health insurance. 

2. If you don't sign up for Medicare when you turn 65, you may incur a late enrollment penalty, if you did not have creditable coverage at the time you were eligible to initially enroll (IEP)

George Barkley · Answer

What you do now, depends on whether or not you'll still have health insurance coverage options other than Medicare.  Will you still be able to get coverage through the company your spouse works for?  Are you a veteran?  There are several things to take into account before deciding if you have to sign up for Medicare once you retire.  Work with a trusted agent to find the best direction for you.

Alexandra Rodriguez · Answer

That would depend on whether or not you had "creditable coverage" since turning 65. Usually, if you were insured by your employer and there are more than 20 employees on the employer health insurance plan, all you need is to fill out a form to avoid a penalty: