If you are still working, you may be wondering if it is possible to enroll in Medicare, especially if you have a group health plan. Most people become eligible for Medicare around age 65. If you are still working around this age, the good news is that you can have both types of coverage!
Getting Medicare While Employed
Most people will enroll in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period. This period starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after you turn 65. So, while enrolling in Medicare while you have a group health plan is certainly an option, you can also choose to delay your Medicare enrollment if you have creditable coverage through your employer group health plan.
If you have a health insurance plan from your employer, you can delay your enrollment if your company has 20 or more employees and not have to pay late enrollment penalties when you do choose to enroll in Medicare. However, if your company has fewer than 20 employees and you delay your Medicare enrollment, you will be faced with a late enrollment penalty.
It’s also important to note that if your company has fewer than 20 employees and you have employer health insurance, Medicare will serve as your primary insurance. If you work in a company with 20 or more employees, Medicare will serve as your secondary insurance. Primary insurance refers to the health coverage that covers health care expenses first, while secondary insurance refers to the health coverage that pays last.
It is advisable to enroll in Medicare even while you are still working to get more coverage for your healthcare expenses.
Enrollment Periods
While you can enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, there are other enrollment periods you should take note of. You can also enroll during the General Enrollment Period which starts on January 1 and ends on March 31. If you are eligible to delay your Medicare enrollment without penalty, you can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in Medicare after your group health plan ends.
Contact us today at (704) 765-4689 for more information about how to get Medicare even if you’re still working!
