More people than ever are planning to work past the age of 65. Since many employers provide healthcare coverage, working seniors wonder what course of action is best. Of course, they want to know they have coverage that will provide needed benefits within their budget, and they also want to comply with the law. So do you have to enroll in Medicare at 65 if you’re working?

Are you able to get Medicare if you are still working?  

Yes, you can enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, even if you are still working. Enrolling at 65, even if you already have insurance, could help you avoid lifelong Medicare premium increases. Also, many insurers require people to enroll in Medicare when they turn 65, even if the person is already insured. 

Are you required to enroll in Medicare if you are 65 and still working?

Whether you need to enroll in Medicare while you’re still working can depend on the size of your company.

If you have medical insurance from your employer and work for a company with less than 20 employees — even if you plan to continue working — then YES, you should join Medicare during your initial enrollment period to avoid penalties.  

However, if you have medical insurance from your employer and are working for a company with 20 or more employees, then you are not required to join Medicare. 

If you plan to continue working, you can: 

• Enroll in both Medicare Part A (premium-free for most) and Part B (which in 2024 has a standard monthly premium of $174.70 plus the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), or 
• Enroll only in Medicare Part A and delay enrolling in Part B, or 
• Delay enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B and enroll at any time in the future when you stop working or retire since you will be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. 

If you delay, once your employer-based insurance coverage ends (because you stop working), you’ll be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. This period begins when you stop working, and you will be eligible to enroll in Medicare Part A and B. Please be sure to check the Medicare.gov section on Working past 65. 

Should you delay Medicare enrollment if you are still working and meet the criteria? 

Delaying your Medicare enrollment depends on your situation. Remember that if you work for an employer with less than 20 employees, you must join Medicare during your enrollment period, or you may have to pay penalties. And when you work for a smaller employer, your Medicare will pay for your healthcare costs first, and then your employer insurer will pay second.  

If you have comparable coverage through your bigger employer, though, it can make financial sense to delay enrollment until you stop working. At that time, you will qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and can enroll in Medicare without a penalty. 

However, some employer insurers require you to sign up for Original Medicare, even in larger companies. If you don’t sign up, your employer insurance could raise your premiums, or you may have to pay more out-of-pocket. It is crucial to look at your policy. 

Should you enroll in Medicare Part A, if you are still working?

Since most people who have worked for ten years will qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, there’s no financial benefit to delaying enrollment. And you can have Medicare Part A while you have your employer insurance. To determine if you are eligible, use our Medicare Eligibility Wizard.

Do you need Medicare Part B if you are still working?

Before you decide to delay Part B enrollment, make sure that you contact your current job-based insurance company before or during your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period to confirm they don’t require their beneficiaries to have Medicare once they are eligible. Not adhering to this requirement may result in higher insurance premiums, more out-of-pocket health costs, and/or a drop in your current insurance policy. 

When should you apply for Medicare if you are still working? 

If you are still working, the timing of when to sign up for Medicare depends on the size of your employer. If your employer has 20 or more employees, your employer-provided health coverage will be your primary insurance, and you can delay enrolling in Medicare without penalty. However, if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare will become your primary insurance, and you should enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (up to three months before you turn 65 and three months after) to avoid any late enrollment penalties. It’s always a good idea to consult with your employer’s benefits administrator and a Medicare representative to ensure you make the right decision.

How much does Medicare cost if you are still working? 

If you have worked for ten years, you will most likely qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A. Medicare Part B has a monthly premium. In 2024, the premium for Medicare Part B will be $174.70. You may also have to pay the Income Related Adjustment Amount. To learn more on this topic, read our guide on Medicare costs.

Conclusion 

How and when you enroll in Medicare is a personal decision. You must look carefully at your situation and how you prefer to receive your healthcare coverage. However, many people make decisions they later regret because the process can be complex. Don’t let anyone pressure you into a decision you do not understand. Get expert help from Hella Health to make navigating this time easier. 

Article updated on October 16, 2023.