Medicare Enrollment When You Have Employer Coverage
Even if you have optional coverage through your spouse's employer or a former employer, you might still need to make key Medicare enrollment decisions. While most people sign up for Medicare Part A as soon as they are eligible, some may opt to delay enrolling in Medicare Part B. This decision often depends on the type of health coverage you currently have. For instance, if you have active group coverage, you could save on Part B premiums.
Consider the following:
Type of coverage offered through your spouse or a former employer:
Does it require you to have Medicare Parts A and B?
Does it pay its portion of your medical bills prior to Medicare doing so?
Are dental and vision benefits incorporated into the plan?
Is a Health Savings Account (HSA) an option?
Are additional life or long-term care benefits available?
What is the cost of employer coverage as compared to paying for both Medicare Part B and other Medicare plans?
Whether you want to delay enrollment in Medicare Part B:
Part B has an additional monthly premium. Delaying your enrollment could save you money if the health coverage offered through your spouse (or a former employer) doesn’t require enrollment in Part B.
If your spouse is currently working, you can enroll in Part B without any penalty when his or her employment ends.
Any time you don't have either employer coverage or Part B will create a late enrollment penalty (LEP) for you later when you do get coverage in Part B.
We recommend you contact your spouse’s employer (or your former employer) and request information as to whether your coverage changes once you enroll in Medicare.