Can I keep my employer coverage and delay Medicare?

If you're still working at 65 and covered by an employer health plan, you may have the option to delay Medicare without penalty, but the key word is qualifying. The size of your employer matters a lot here.If your employer has 20 or more employees, your group health plan is considered primary, meaning it pays first. In that case, you can typically delay Medicare Part B without a late enrollment penalty, as long as you sign up within a certain window after your employer coverage ends. That window is called a Special Enrollment Period and usually lasts eight months.If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare is actually expected to be your primary coverage at 65, and delaying Part B in that situation could leave you with gaps and potentially a penalty later.Part A is a separate question. If you've paid into Medicare through work for at least 10 years, Part A has no premium for most people, and enrolling in it usually doesn't cause issues alongside employer coverage. But if you have an HSA, enrolling in Part A stops your ability to contribute to it, so timing matters.Always verify your specific situation with your HR department and a Medicare counselor before deciding to delay.

Related Medicare Resources

• Medicare Advantage HMO Plans
• Medicare Advantage PPO Plans
• Medicare Supplement Plan G
• Compare Medicare Plans