Here’s what you need to know:
- You still have a Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when you turn 65. You may want to enroll in Part A during this time. It’s premium free, as long as you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
- You have to be proactive and enroll in Medicare yourself. Medicare doesn’t notify you about your IEP unless you currently get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
- You may qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that allows you to delay enrolling in Part B and Part D without incurring late enrollment penalties. You need to get confirmation of creditable coverage from your employer.
Retirement and Medicare Basics
Retiring soon? Know the Medicare basics. Your Medicare health coverage choices can vary based on your age and whether you have retiree coverage through your employer or plan sponsor. Find out what you need to know and the questions to ask to help you retire with peace of mind.
Your SEP, if you qualify for one, begins when you retire or your employer insurance ends—whichever comes first. Find your SEP dates using this simple tool or select the tab that matches your situation.
Talk with your employer health insurance plan administrator before you make any decisions. You need to understand if, and how, your plan may work with Medicare. You may be required to take full Medicare benefits (Parts A and B) at age 65 in some situations, such as if your employer has fewer than 20 employees.
During your SEP, you may:
- Enroll in Part B, and Part A, if you haven’t already. You have 8 months to enroll.
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a prescription drug (Part D) plan. You have 2 months to enroll. Learn about choosing a plan.
You are not eligible for this SEP when COBRA or retiree coverage ends. However, you may be eligible for a different SEP. Talk with your plan administrator or call the Medicare helpline for more information.